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(Xinhua/Fu Tian) HEFEI, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- At the break of dawn, as the first light stirs the mountain birds and campers from their slumber, Hong Xiaochun and Huang Shuping, a forest ranger couple both aged 55, prepare to venture deep into the woods in east China's Anhui Province. With baskets brimming with food and water, they follow the patrol route on their smartphone applications. Nestled in a valley of Shexian County in Anhui, the two-story forest patrol station, aptly named "Washang," is enveloped by a lush expanse of over 7,000 mu (about 4.67 square km). Since 1991, Hong and Huang have been the dedicated stewards of this verdant domain. "The forest has been transformed from an obscure spot on the map to a renowned destination for sightseeing and environmental conservation," Hong said, gesturing towards the thriving woodland. "We feel fortunate to have witnessed these positive changes," he added, noting the evolution of their roles and development philosophy towards nature. Their journey with the forest began on a summer afternoon 33 years ago. In the summer of 1991, the newlywed couple volunteered at the "Washang" station, one of the most impoverished outposts in Shexian County. The station's name, which translates to "higher than the rooftops" in Chinese, reflects its remote and elevated location. Back then, the station was a solitary outpost, miles removed from the nearest village, devoid of electricity and any semblance of telecommunication. "We used to work at separate stations, but here, we could be together," Huang recalled. "We wanted to give it a try, to carry on the legacy of our parents who once protected the forest at their own posts," she said, acknowledging the hermit-like existence as both taxing and fulfilling. During the 1990s, the forest under the Washang station's purview was a vital timber reserve, making it a target for illegal loggers. The couple was tasked with safeguarding over 7,000 mu of forest from pests, fires and illicit deforestation. They also committed themselves to afforestation, turning the desolate area into flourishing groves. "Each day, we'd spend over eight hours trekking nearly 20 km through the woods at that time. Sometimes, we had to forge paths to unexplored areas," Hong recounted, mentioning that a fresh pair of boots would be completely worn out after a month of forest patrolling. Their efforts have yielded rich rewards. Over the past three decades, there has not been a single forest fire or case of wildlife resource destruction. Thanks to their unwavering commitment, the forest canopy has grown denser. As the years have passed, Washang station has undergone a renaissance, bringing new life to the mountains and the couple's endeavors. In 2017, Anhui launched a forest chief reform initiative, promoting ecological restoration and the prudent exploitation of forest resources. In 2023, the province had completed afforestation of some 281,500 mu and the "under-forest" economy spanning over 12.6 million mu. The "under-forest" economy refers to the development of understory planting, breeding, gathering and forest tourism industries, which rely on forest land resources and the ecological environment of forests. Today, as Hong and Huang ready themselves for patrol, they always carry a hoe to tend to the newly planted economic crops among the trees, including 600 mu of hickory and 120 mu of Torreya grandis. "The under-forest economy enriches the environment and yields economic benefits without harming the forest's existing trees," Hong explained, adding that hickory alone can generate a profit of 80,000 yuan (about 11,000 U.S. dollars) annually. With advancements in infrastructure and information technology, the once isolated patrol station now enjoys internet connectivity. This has helped attract an increasing number of tourists from across the country, many of whom opt to camp in the courtyard in front of their station. "Social media has helped connect us with the world beyond the mountains and bring the outside world to us," Huang said, as she moved through the vibrant campsites, educating visitors on fire safety. From an obscure forest to a paragon of environmental stewardship and a burgeoning tourist attraction, the mountains' dramatic transformation is a testament to the couple's relentless dedication over the past 30 years. "It's akin to watching our children grow, marking it the most rewarding chapter of our lives," said the couple. A drone photo taken on June 15, 2024 shows the Washang forest patrol station in Shexian County of Huangshan City, east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua/Fu Tian) (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Christine Ricci, 46, the wife of Michael Ricci, 51, was found guilty in a Massachusetts court for stabbing her husband to death with a steak knife. She was convicted on charges of second-degree murder, assault, and battery with a dangerous weapon on Friday, reported WBTS-TV. Ricci was initially arrested and charged with the January 2021 murder of Michael Ricci, a 23 year member of the Boston Fire Department, after learning about his affair. Witnesses at the trial testified that Ricci became obsessed with learning more about the affair, which began in fall 2018 and culminated in a series of daily fights between the couple. During closing arguments on Thursday, the prosecutor for Plymouth County told the courtroom Christine Ricci was "filled with rage" and was motivated by jealousy before twice stabbing her husband with a steak knife, according to Mass Live. Despite witness testimony during the trial that the firefighter was seen with bruises and fat lips that came from his wife, no one could say that Michael Ricci physically abused his wife, prosecutor Jeremy Beth Kusmin said. The couple's 16-year-old daughter, Sophiya Ricci, also testified at her mother's trial and revealed that her parents' verbal fights were not "alarming to me. I was used to it." However, after hearing loud voices in the home, the 16-year-old ran downstairs to find her father lying on his back in a pool of blood near a knife as her mother yelled for her to call 911. Authorities say the couple was arguing on January 28, 2021, before Ricci grabbed a steak knife and stabbed Michael Ricci twice. Michael Ricci's stab wounds, one in the heart and one in the upper rear left shoulder, were "not consistent with the defendant's account of the events," prosecutors argued in court filings. Christine told first responders that her husband was having a manic episode and fell before claiming self-defense, stating Michael had lunged at her during their fight. Her lawyer and family say she suffered from mental health issues and said that she was on multiple medications, suffered from panic attacks and was in counseling and therapy. Christine Ricci will be sentenced on August 22. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home UK Police rush to protect Mosques after PM Starmers stern warning Calling them far-right thugs, the Prime Minister in a televised address Sunday warned that those involved in the violence will be held accountable for their actions. Monday August 5, 2024 11:44 AM , ummid.com News Network London: The UK Police and Security Forces announced introduction of a new rapid response security scheme for mosques after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmers stern warning against the rioters, calling them far-right thugs. In a televised address Sunday, the Prime Minister also warned that those involved in the violence will be held accountable for their actions. "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. "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, he added. Security measures for Mosques Under the new security process now in place, the police, local authorities and mosques can ask for rapid security to be deployed to protect communities and allow for a return to worship as quickly as possible, according to a government statement. Mosques are increasing security amid riots, particularly after the mosque attack in Southport, as Muslims in West London were also warned of far-right rallies. Police have stepped in to guard the Muslims. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasised governments firm stance against the recent violence: As a nation we will not tolerate criminal behaviour, dangerous extremism, and racist attacks that go against everything our country stands for. 'Far right violence' 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. Mosque goers scared 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". UK authorities faced growing pressure on Sunday to put an end to Englands worst rioting in 13 years amid far-right agitation after hatred based on misinformation was spread on social media against immigrants and Muslims. Clashes between protesters and police officers broke out in numerous English cities, including Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol, Blackpool and Hull, as well as Belfast in Northern Ireland. In some instances, rioters threw bricks, bottles and flares at police, injuring several officers, looted and burnt shots. 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. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. HA NOI PVI Insurance continues to shine in prestigious awards, affirming its position as a market leader in Viet Nam's non-life insurance sector as well as standing alongside major companies in the region. In early August 2024, Vietnam Report and VietNamNet officially announced the Top 10 Most Reputable Insurance Companies in Viet Nam, with PVI Insurance proudly leading the list. Vietnam Report's periodic Top 10 Reputable Companies ranking in banking, insurance and technology adheres to international standards. Companies are evaluated on financial performance, media reputation and survey results updated through May 2024. In addition, Asia Insurance Review, a leading industry magazine, has also announced the winners of the prestigious Country Awards for Excellence 2024, with PVI Insurance being named the Best General Insurer in Viet Nam. This annual event, organised by Asia Insurance Review, highlights the exceptional performance of leading insurance companies across Asia-Pacific. The Country Awards for Excellence 2024 honours outstanding insurers, reinsurers and brokers that have demonstrated notable achievements, innovative business initiatives and sustainable value for customers, contributing to the overall development of the regional insurance market. Criteria for these awards include revenue growth, the launch of new products and services, customer and distribution partner support, risk management and claims handling. Previously, PVI Insurance was also named the Best Digital Insurer in Viet Nam 2023 by Asia Insurance Review. Additionally, it was the only Vietnamese company honoured in the 'International Finance Insurance Awards' by the UK-based International Finance Magazine (IFM), receiving the title of 'Most Innovative Non-life Insurer 2023'. These awards, alongside PVI Insurances exceptional business performance, underscore its robust growth in providing safe insurance solutions and services both domestically and internationally. VNS NEW DELHI Viet Nam was selected as partner country of the India International Hospitality Expo (IHE 2024) at the opening ceremony on Saturday in Noida, Utta Pradesh state. As a partner country, Viet Nam has arranged a booth showcasing its products and organises a cuisine festival and masterclasses by famous Vietnamese chefs. After the opening ceremony, the Viet Nam Trade Office in India inaugurated the Vietnam booth in the presence of Indian Minister for Tourism & Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and representatives of Vietnamese and Indian businesses. The Vietnam booth has attracted much attention and appreciation from Indian and foreign businesses. Vietnamese enterprises, including UNIBEN, Vietnam Airlines, and Viettravel, are showcasing Viet Nam's typical products such as instant noodles, pho (noodle soup), coffee, tourism and aviation services, contributing to promoting the country's exports to India in particular and the world in general. This is an important opportunity for Viet Nam to promote its culture, cuisine, high-quality tourism and air services, and for Vietnamese companies to expand their trade relations and improve their presence in regional and international markets. The four-day event is expected to attract over 1,000 exhibitors and 20,000 visitors. VNS HA NOI The Trade Remedies Authority said that it has issued a questionnaire for an investigation involving foreign producers and exporters in the end-of-period review for anti-dumping measures on some mononatri glutamate (MSG) products from Indonesia and China. Previously, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) released Decision No. 1947/Q-BCT concerning the final review of the application of anti-dumping measures on some MSG products from Indonesia and China (case code: ER01.AD09) on July 23. Detailed information on the scope, content and investigation timeline is presented in Decision No. 1947/Q-BCT and the accompanying notification. The Trade Remedies Authority (Investigating Agency), under the MoIT, has dispatched the official investigation questionnaire to foreign manufacturing and exporting enterprises identified by the Investigating Agency for questionnaire completion. The deadline for responding to the investigation questionnaire is before 5pm on September 10 (local time). To protect their rights and interests, the Investigating Agency urges all relevant foreign manufacturers and exporters to actively engage and cooperate during the investigation. The responses received will determine the selection of a sample for the investigation's scope, if needed. Failure to provide timely or accurate information may lead the Investigating Agency to draw conclusions based on available data, as outlined in Article 75 of the Foreign Trade Management Law. Information and data provided while responding to the Investigating Agency's questionnaire, as well as access to case information for involved parties during the investigation, will adhere to the legal data security regulations outlined in Article 11 of Decree No. 10/2018/N-CP dated January 15, 2018, which details aspects of the Foreign Trade Management Law concerning trade defence measures. Detailed instructions on how to complete each section, along with submission methods and deadlines, are provided within the questionnaire for enterprises. Therefore, it is recommended that enterprises thoroughly review the guidelines before responding and ensure the timely submission of their responses. VNS HA NOI The increasingly bustling international aviation markets with many airlines opening new routes to large-scale markets will be a major driving force for the growth of the entire aviation market in the coming time, according to the Civil Aviation Agency of Viet Nam (CAAV). The agency said that in the first half of this year, 63 airlines, including four from Viet Nam - Vietravel Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, and Vietjet Air operated nearly 160 routes connecting Viet Nam and other countries. The international flight network has restored to pre-COVID-19 levels and continued to expand to new markets in Central Asia, India, and Australia. The CAAV noted that in festive occasions and summer period, international flights to famous tourist attractions like a Nang, Cam Ranh, Phu Quoc and a Lat have risen strongly. Particularly, the Phu Quoc International Airport has seen seven international airlines operating eight routes, while the a Nang International Airport is hosting 24 airlines flying 17 international routes. Besides, the Cam Ranh International Airport in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa has seen 16 international airlines with 13 routes, and the Lien Khuong International Airport in a Lat is receiving foreign airlines. In the first six months of 2024, the international markets with the largest number of passengers transported to Viet Nam were the Republic of Korea, China, Taiwan (China), Thailand, Japan and Singapore. The CAAV predicted that this year, international passenger transported from/to Viet Nam is likely to reach 43.5 million, up 33.4 per cent compared to 2023 and 4.3 per cent compared to 2019. In the first half of 2024, domestic carriers transported nine million international passengers, an increase of 28 per cent over the same period last year, accounting for 44 per cent of the international passenger transport market share, of which Vietjet enjoyed the highest share, followed by Vietnam Airlines and Vietravel Airlines. Thanks to the growth of the international aviation market, the tourism sector enjoyed a surge of 51 per cent to 10 million in the number of foreign visitors in the first seven months, which is expected to reach 18 million in the whole year. Recently, airlines launched new air routes to make full use of the recovery of the international aviation market. On August 2, Vietravel Airlines successfully operated the first flight connecting Taipei in Taiwan (China) and Phu Quoc (Viet Nam), starting its efforts to expand the international flight network to major tourist markets of Viet Nam in 2024. The airline has been licenced for commercial flights but will cooperate with partners to operate charter flights in August and September. Nguyen Minh Hai, General Director of Vietravel Airlines, said that the first Taipei-Phu Quoc flight marked an important milestone in the airlines development, contributing to connecting two of the most attractive tourist destinations in Asia and opening up new cooperation opportunities between the airline and potential partners to expand the market. He said he believes that the Taipei-Phu Quoc route will contribute to increasing the number of visitors to Phu Quoc, promoting the tourism potential of the island district in the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang. Vietravel Airlines plans to launch flights connecting a Nang and Taichung in Taiwan (China) and Hue - Taichung in September. Earlier, in late June, Vietnam Airlines opened a direct flight between Ha Noi and Chengdu in China, while Vietjet launched two routes connecting Phu Quoc island with the two cities of Taichung and Kaohsiung in Taiwan (China) in mid-June. VNS A fugitive sex offender wanted in the kidnapping of his ex-girlfriend allegedly abducted her again and is being sought by law enforcement officials who say he should be considered armed and dangerous. Quinntel Bagley, 38, was on the run for nearly two months before he allegedly snatched the unidentified woman from her home in Grove City, a Columbus suburb, for a second time last week. The victim called the cops around 6 a.m. Friday and said Bagley kidnapped her and drove her to the west side of Columbus, where she managed to get away from him unharmed, police said in a statement posted on social media later that day. Bagley also allegedly kidnapped the woman on June 13 and was arrested later that day after she was found at a Grove City gas station, local TV station WCMH reported at the time. But Bagley allegedly escaped from custody after being taken to a hospital where he broke free from an officer's grasp while being escorted outside. Police body camera video showed him running across a parking lot with his hands cuffed behind him. Bagley allegedly broke into a nearby home and stole a car that police later found abandoned, according to WCMH. Bagley served a 10-year prison sentence after plea bargaining to kidnapping and assault in 2012 and was on parole at the time of June 13 kidnapping, WCMH said. His plea deal resulted in the dismissal of three rape charges and he's listed as a Tier II sex offender, WCMH said. The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to his capture. HA NOI Many kinds of Vietnamese fruits are increasingly gaining access to the Northeast Asian market, contributing to fulfilling the 2024 goal of US$7 billion in export value of fruit and vegetables. According to ang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary General of the Viet Nam Fruit and Vegetable Association, as of the end of July, the export of fruit and vegetables had earned $3.8 billion, with durian alone accounting for 40 per cent of the total. This success is attributed to the implementation of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that have opened market and reduced tariffs for Vietnamese agricultural products. Notably, in addition to China, markets in the Republic of Korea (RoK) and Japan have seen remarkable growth, making up 80 per cent of the total value of Vietnamese fruit and vegetable exports. Nguyen said that China, with its large population and high demand for fruits and vegetables, remains a traditional market for many Vietnamese fruits. Meanwhile, Japan and the RoK are also populous countries with high incomes and high demand for quality agricultural products, and members of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Therefore, Viet Nam's exports to the two markets enjoy benefits from reduced tariffs and lower transport and logistics costs thanks to geographic distance, resulting in the quality of farm produce maintained. According to Luong Ngoc Quang from the Plant Protection Department, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, under the RCEP, China has allowed the import of 12 Vietnamese agricultural products, including dragon fruit, longan, lychee, mango and durian, among others. Japan has permitted dragon fruit, mango, lychee, and longan from Viet Nam to its market, while the RoK has recently granted permission for fresh grapefruit from Viet Nam. Quang emphasised that gaining market access for a product will open opportunities to increase export turnover and affirm the position of Vietnamese agricultural products. However, negotiations for market opening are complicated and time-consuming, with some talks taking three to five years or longer. Once access is granted, compliance with the importing countrys standards is crucial to avoid disruptions. A single violation by a producer or a shipment could affect the entire industry, leading to warnings or suspension of exports. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Deputy Director of the Southern Fruit Research Institute, said that Vietnamese fruits are becoming more diverse with high quality, gaining popularity in various markets. Following a period of international integration, most exporters have updated their knowledge of market regulations on food safety and plant quarantine. However, farmers, as the starting point of the agricultural value chain, often lack sources to keep up with regulatory changes. Therefore, it is essential for regulatory bodies, local authorities, and businesses to support farmers in improving their production standards, packaging and branding, thereby enhancing the reputation of Vietnamese fruits on the global market. VNS HA NOI The Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE) has recently unveils the VN30 Index basket for July, effective from August 5, 2024 to January 24, 2025. The roster of 30 securities in the current July VN30 remains consistent with the previous disclosure. The banking segment continues to hold sway with 13 entities, including many that have maintained their positions within the VN30 over several periods. In addition to the 30 official ticker symbols in the VN30 group, HoSE also released a list of stocks of five listed companies for its coming large-cap tracker review, comprising LPBank (LPB), uc Giang Chemicals Group (DGC), EXIMBANK (EIB), Novaland (NVL) and Phu Nhuan Jewelry JSC (PNJ). Of significance, in a shift from the previous announcement, HoSE has replaced Vietnam Maritime Commercial Join Stock Bank (MSB) with NVL in the review list. The VN30 index cherry-picks stocks with robust market capitalisation and liquidity. Beyond the initial screening for market cap, the free-float ratio plays a pivotal role. Stocks with a free-float ratio below 5 per cent face elimination. Moreover, liquidity stands out as a vital factor in this selection process. Even if a stock meets all the requirements, the ultimate decision rests with the HoSE council meeting. In the lineup of five stocks for the next VN30 review, the spotlight shines on NVL due to recent developments. The presence of NVL in the reviewing list surprised as it witnessed a sharp decline in recent trading sessions, breaching one-year low. NVL shares closed Monday at VN11,000 per share. VNS HA NOI Costa Rican Minister of Foreign Trade Manuel Tovar, empowered by the Costa Rican President, on August 5 announced and handed over a diplomatic note to the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) affirming its recognition of Viet Nam as a market economy. The move made Costa Rica the 73rd country in the world to recognise Viet Nam's market economy status. According to the MoIT, Costa Rica is a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) that gathers 38 most developed market economies in the world. Costa Rica's legal regulations include investigating and applying trade defence measures. By the end of December 31, 2023, according to WTO statistics, Costa Rica had initiated 12 anti-dumping investigations on imported goods from countries such as Brazil, Chile, Mexico, the US, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Venezuela, and Guatemala. Costa Ricas diplomatic note on its recognition of Viet Nam as a market economy is a positive move in the context that the Southeast Asian country is calling on its trade partners to recognise its market economy status. At his meeting with Manuel Tovar, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed Costa Rica's recognition of Viet Nam's market economy. The recognition reflects the achievements that Viet Nam has made in the process of national development and integration into the world economy. At the same time, it will contribute to promoting the development of bilateral economic and trade relations between the two countries. VNA/VNS HCM CITY A collection of historical books for children by Vietnamese writers has been reprinted by the Kim ong Publishing House. It includes nine books featuring famous monarchs, traditional heroes and generals in different periods under the dynasties of inh, Ly, Tran and Le. The books were written by well-known authors such as Hoai Anh, Vu Ngoc Tien and Ha An. Viet Nams history shows several remarkable kings and military leaders who dedicated themselves to protect and develop the country, said a representative of Kim ong Publishing House. We hope our books will help young readers improve their knowledge and respect for their ancestors and national heroes as well. Highlighted books include author Nguyen Anhs Thap ao Tuong Quan Le Hoan (Great General Le Hoan), a publication about historical characters and events under the early Le Dynasty. The work portrays Le ai Hanh, originally named Le Hoan and known as General Le Hoan, the first king of the early Le Dynasty between 980 and 1005. General Hoan defended the country before the invasion of the Chinese Song dynasty. He led his army to defeat the Song invaders in 981. He later became the first emperor of the Early Le Dynasty, named Le ai Hanh. Emperor Le ai Hanh is recorded in history as a talented military leader and great politician with useful policies that built the country ai Co Viet (now Viet Nam). Today, Emperor Le ai Hanh and his wife, Queen Duong Van Nga, are worshipped in the Temple of Le ai Hanh in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, now Hoa Lu District in Ninh Binh Province Writer Ans Ong Trang Tha Dieu (The Scholar) highlights educator Chu Van An (1292-1370), who was famous for his intelligence and ethics. Teacher Chu Van An was a resident of Van Thon Village (now a part of Thanh Tri District) in capital Ha Noi. He opened a school in Huynh Cung Village near the To Lich River. He is considered a master teacher, who spent his lifetime spreading a humane education philosophy, combining theory and practice, and popularising Confucian thinking in Viet Nam. Many top officials at that time were his students, including prince Tran Vuong, a son of Emperor Tran Minh Tong (1300-1357). Under King Du Tongs reign (1341-1369), he discovered seven corrupt mandarins and proposed that the king should give them death sentences but the king refused. After his death in 1370, an altar dedicated to him was established in the Temple of Literature in Ha Noi. Kim ong Publishing House, one of the country's leading printers, has 60 years in the industry. It has worked with young writers to support them develop and release books. The publisher will release 30 new historical books for children in 2024-25 as part of its efforts to expand the reading habit among children and teenagers. VNS HCM CITY The inaugural Viet Nam Best Sommelier Competition is being held in HCM City to find talented sommeliers to represent Viet Nam in international competitions, according to the contests organisers. The competition is being co-organised by the Viet Nam Sommelier Association and the Sai Gon Sommelier Association. The winner will represent Viet Nam to compete at the 2025 Best Sommelier in Asia-Pacific competition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, said Le Hoang Khanh Vi, vice president of the Sai Gon Sommelier Association. The contest, which will be held every three years, also aims to promote the development of the profession of sommelier in Viet Nam and the Vietnamese wine industry and cuisine, Vi said at a press meeting held in HCM City on August 1. It is open to Vietnamese sommeliers who are members of the Viet Nam Sommelier Association and features three rounds: quarter-final, semi-final, and final, he said. Winners of the quarter-final round that took place in HCM City on July 18 will compete at the semi-final round on August 13. The final round is slated to take place on August 14. Contestants will have written, oral and practical tests on knowledge about wines as well as wine serving skills and tasting. Members of the jury include Saiko Tamura-Soga, Vice President for Asia-Pacific of ASI (Association de la Sommellerie Internationale) and Giuseppe Vaccarini, the winner of the Best Sommelier of the World ASI 1978. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam is poised to transform its cultural tourism landscape, with a new generation of young cultural ambassadors at the forefront, according to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Viet Nam National Commission for UNESCO Ha Kim Ngoc. The country, with over 40,000 relic sites and 68 UNESCO-recognised heritage sites, boasts a rich cultural tapestry spread across its 63 cities and provinces. They have become magnets for tourists, contributing significantly to local branding, economic growth, and sustainable development. "Owning a UNESCO designation not only recognises the cultural, historical, and natural value of a locality or a country but also serves as a powerful draw for international tourists," Ngoc told Viet Nam News Agency in a recent interview. Cultural tourism is a global trend, and Viet Nam is keen to capitalise on its rich heritage. UNESCO designations bring invaluable support from the international community, including funding, human resources, and technical assistance to develop tourism infrastructure. This backing fuels the tourism industrys growth, creating numerous job opportunities for local communities, he said. When a site becomes a 'brand' recognised by UNESCO, it provides a significant advantage and acts as a key factor in influencing tourists' destination choices, said Ngoc. The 13th National Party Congress's document outlined a clear policy to make "Vietnamese culture and people truly become an internal strength and driving force of national development and protection of the homeland". Various ministries and local authorities have since adopted measures to conserve, promote, and encourage sustainable tourism development linked to UNESCO heritage sites. The Prime Minister has issued several key strategies, including the Cultural Diplomacy Strategy to 2030, which centres on localities, citizens, and businesses. The Government's recent Resolution No. 82/NQ-CP also states that "tourism has truly become a key economic sector of the country. To cultivate a new generation of tourism professionals, Viet Nam is investing in education and awareness-raising courses. Schools are incorporating UNESCO heritage into various extracurricular activities to engage students early in promoting heritage through tourism development. The deputy minister also highlighted the importance of facilitating tourism startups led by young entrepreneurs, especially those related to cultural heritage utilisation. Training and technical support courses are offered to help them develop innovative tourism products and services. Today, leveraging the values of UNESCO designations and heritage for economic and tourism development is a crucial task of each locality. UNESCO encourages this endeavor to be approached with creativity and innovation while ensuring a balance between preservation and development, in line with the commitments made to UNESCO, he said. Ngoc encouraged young people to engage in community-associated tourism. This involves offering visitors opportunities to experience the unique local cultures, intangible heritage, and indigenous festivals firsthand. Such efforts not only popularise Vietnamese culture, history, and people but also directly benefit the community. To keep pace with global trends and meet growing demand, young people have certain advantages but need to further leverage digital transformation, social media platforms, mobile apps, and the effects of social networks to promote and showcase UNESCO heritage to a global audience, he said. -- VNA/VNS HA NOI The Vietnam News Agency presents an article by General, Professor, and Doctor To Lam, General Secretary of the Party Central Committee and President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, titled "Determined to build a strong Party, a prosperous, democratic, fair, and civilised Viet Nam." The article outlines a vision for strengthening the Party to achieve national prosperity, democracy, and civilisation. The Party leader calls for unwavering dedication to national interests, international solidarity, and cultural advancement, focusing on unity, economic development, and national sovereignty to guide Viet Nam toward a brighter future. Following is the full article: The founding of the Communist Party of Viet Nam was a landmark moment in the nations proud 4,000-year history, renowned for its heroism and cultural richness. This event marked a significant turning point in our revolutionary journey. Since its inception, under the leadership of the Party, President Ho Chi Minh, and the General Secretaries of the Partys Central Committee, including late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, the Party has guided Viet Nam through numerous challenges, achieving continuous progress. Under its guidance, our people have achieved victory after victory, accomplishing remarkable feats, liberating the nation, unifying the country and steadily advancing towards socialism while standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the worlds powers. With a clear political vision, unwavering loyalty to national and class interests, a deep connection with the people and a steadfast spirit of international solidarity, the Party has united the classes, the people, and revolutionary movements, building a vast revolutionary force. This force expelled French colonial invaders through the historic victory at ien Bien Phu, "resonating across the continents, shaking the globe". It conducted the socialist revolution in the North and the democratic national revolution in the South, successfully steering the revolutionary journey to complete victory. With the Fatherland united, the entire country moves toward socialism amid myriad challenges. The Party continues to demonstrate its intelligence, bravery and pioneering spirit, embodying a scientific and revolutionary essence. It has initiated and continuously refined processes, leading the Party, people and army to successfully implement the renewal cause that has transformed Viet Nam from a less-developed country into a developing nation with a middle income, where peoples lives are increasingly prosperous and happy, and the country enjoys growing prestige and status on the international stage. Based on accurately assessing the countrys strengths and positions, opportunities and challenges, with high political determination devoted to the nation and people, the 13th Party Congress outlined the countrys development path to 2030, with a vision to 2045. It set strategic goals for 100 years under the Partys leadership, marking 100 years since the founding of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam, now the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. By the mid-21st century, our country will become a developed nation oriented towards socialism, inspiring within the Party, people, and army the spirit of patriotism, national self-reliance, benevolence, national solidarity, and the aspiration for a prosperous, happy nation. As we have journeyed two-thirds of the way, the implementation of the 13th Party Congress' Resolution has achieved significant milestones, marking breakthrough results. Recent developments show that the world is undergoing era-defining changes. From now until 2030 is the crucial period for establishing a new world order. Peace, cooperation and development remain the main trend, but competition among major powers is intensifying, with the Asia-Pacific being the most fiercely contested arena. Hostile forces have never given up on overthrowing the Communist Party's leadership and the socialist regime in Viet Nam; they are aggressively pursuing a "peaceful evolution" strategy with increasingly sophisticated methods, exploiting comprehensive international integration to infiltrate internally, promoting "self-evolution" and "self-transformation" factors to disintegrate our Party and regime from within. Non-traditional security challenges are causing many negative impacts; the emergence and development of cyberspace, along with the fourth industrial scientific revolution, herald a new era where underdeveloped and developing countries can seize opportunities to leapfrog and become powerful nations or fall into deep backwardness if they fail to seize opportunities. To seize every opportunity and advantage, overcome risks and challenges and bolster our capabilities to meet the strategic objectives set by the 13th Party Congress, our Party, people, and army must unite in effort and purpose, drawing on our proud traditions and valuable experiences. We must embody the spirit of "self-reliance, confidence, independence, resilience, and national pride" while continuously seeking new paths for human and social development. We must remain steadfast in Marxism-Leninism, Ho Chi Minhs thought, the goal of national independence, socialism, and the Partys renewal line. Economic and social development must be at the centre, with Party building as the key, cultural development as the spiritual foundation and national defence and security as essential and ongoing priorities. It is vital to maximise internal strength and leverage external resources, with intrinsic and human resources being the most important. Particular emphasis should be placed on continuously strengthening unity and consensus within the Party, fostering great national unity, and nurturing the vital bond between the Party and the people. From the Central Committee to grassroots cells, every cadre and Party member must strive to "maintain unity within the Party as one would protect the pupil of their eye". The Party must mobilise the collective wisdom and strength of the entire nation and the power of the era in building and safeguarding the socialist Vietnamese Fatherland. To maintain independence and self-reliance, we must ensure our national interests are upheld based on the fundamental principles of international law. We should focus on defending our Fatherland proactively and maintaining a peaceful, stable environment for national development. Enhancing Viet Nams contributions to regional and global peace is essential, as is resolutely defending our independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, including our seas, islands and skies. We must pursue a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of relations, aiming to be a friend, a reliable partner, and a responsible member of the international community. Steadfast adherence to the principles of "immutable in the face of change", "peaceful diplomacy", and "using benevolence to overcome brutality" will guide our diplomatic efforts in this new era. The philosophy that "people are the root" and "the people are the subject and centre of the renewal process" should be central to our approach. Every guideline and policy must originate from the lives, aspirations, rights and legitimate interests of the people, with their happiness and prosperity as our ultimate goal. We must ensure that everyone benefits from renewal and development, living happily in a secure and safe environment, where no one is left behind. To achieve this, we must build a socialist rule-of-law state of the people, by the people, and for the people, led by the Communist Party of Viet Nam. This involves upholding the Constitution and the law, respecting, ensuring and effectively protecting human and citizen rights, and developing a professional, rule-of-law, modern administrative and judicial system. Our state apparatus must be streamlined, clean and effective, with a team of cadres, civil servants and public employees who are truly professional, dedicated, and committed to serving the Fatherland and its people. We must continue to build and rectify the Party, fighting resolutely against individualism, ideological degradation, moral decay, lifestyle corruption and negativity within the Party. The motto of "unceasing", "never resting", "no forbidden zones, no exceptions", "regardless of who it is", and "handling one case to warn the entire region and sector" must guide our actions. We should simultaneously focus on resolving institutional difficulties, promoting administrative reform, enhancing transparency through digital transformation, and expanding development space. Creating the greatest convenience for all activities within the legal framework will contribute to national development and improve the lives of people, organisations, individuals, businesses and entrepreneurs both domestically and internationally. Combining power control with effective political and ideological education, revolutionary tradition education, and building a truly clean, strong, "ethical and civilised" Party is vital. We must comprehensively and synchronously promote the renewal process, rapidly and sustainably develop the nation, and strengthen national potential. Building and perfecting a modern, integrated socialist-oriented market economy development institution is crucial. Vigorously promoting investment, production, and business will maximise social resources for sustainable development, environmental protection, and climate change adaptation. We must develop comprehensive human beings and build an advanced Vietnamese culture rich in national identity, which serves as the spiritual foundation of society, an intrinsic strength, and an important driving force for national development. We should focus on successfully organising Party Congresses at all levels, leading up to the 14th Party Congress. Effectively summarising 40 years of national renewal and inheriting the significant theoretical achievements of socialism and the path to socialism in Viet Nam, as summarised by generations of Party leaders, including late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, will allow us to formulate correct policies and guide the nation's comprehensive development in the future. We believe that under the leadership of the glorious Communist Party of Viet Nam; closely combining genuine patriotism with the nations fine traditions, spirit and quintessence, continuously absorbing the quintessence of human culture; with the courage and steadfast revolutionary ideals of the cadre and party member ranks; wholeheartedly trusted and supported by the people, the national renewal process will surely achieve great victories, our Fatherland will increasingly prosper, our people will increasingly be happy and prosperous, our nation will increasingly develop, thrive and firmly advance towards socialism, successfully achieving the strategic goals set by the 13th Party Congress and fulfilling the great Ho Chi Minh's legacy and the aspiration of the entire nation: "Our entire Party, entire people unite to strive, build a peaceful, unified, independent, democratic, and prosperous Viet Nam, making a worthy contribution to the global revolutionary cause." VNS TEL AVIV The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel on Sunday issued a warning to Vietnamese citizens, advising them to stay vigilant amidst complicated Israel-Hezbollah tensions. In its announcement, the embassy said a stabbing spree in Holon city near Tel Aviv on August 4 killed two people and wounded three others. Local authorities said this was a terror attack, and forecast an increase in criminal activities of the Arab community in Israel as well as attacks deeper into Israels territory. Against this backdrop, the embassy advised the Vietnamese community to keep a close watch on the situation in the country through trusted local media sources, avoid areas where large crowds gather and those prone to attacks, strictly comply with safety and security measures prescribed by the local administrations, and proactively prepare plans to ensure safety for themselves and relatives. The community was asked to keep regular contact with the embassy in case of emergency or in need of support. On July 30, the embassy recommended measures for the Vietnamese community to ensure their safety and security after the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) carried out an air attack on the Lebanese capital of Beirut, targeting Hazbollahs senior military commander Fuad Shukr, who was said to be responsible for the rocket attack in Majdal Shams town of Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The National Security Council of Israel on August 1 warned Israelis against travel to some 40 countries for fear of terrorism. VNS WASHINGTON Deputy Minister of Public Security Tran Quoc To recently met with Jacqueline Maguire, Assistant Director of the Training Division at the USs Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in Quantico, Virginia, with their discussion focusing on training and collaboration. At the August 3 meeting, To expressed satisfaction at the effective cooperation between the ministry and the bureau in combating crime, law enforcement, and maintaining public order, particularly since the signing of their memorandum of understanding on transnational crime prevention in 2019. Since that year, the ministry has facilitated over 300 FBI requests for criminal information exchange related to case investigations, support for prosecution, and trial proceedings. In 2023 alone, it handed over five fugitives to US law enforcement agencies. Additionally, between 2021 and now, the ministry has assisted in freezing 17 accounts based on FBI requests, estimated to be worth over 600,000 USD. The official praised the FBI's goodwill in helping the ministry enhance the capabilities of Vietnamese law enforcement officials and run numerous training workshops on cybercrime, money laundering, and other transnational crimes. He proposed the two sides continue to effectively implement the 2019 MoU and that the FBI provide adequate support for Viet Nam's investigative efforts. To also called for the sides' early signing of treaties on mutual legal assistance, extradition, and the transfer of sentenced persons. The official suggested increasing all-level exchanges to share information on mutual interests and that the FBI support Viet Nam with modern equipment, technology transfer, and specialised solutions serving crime prevention. Regarding training cooperation with the FBI Academy, he asked for continued scholarships, training programmes, and capacity-building opportunities for Vietnamese officers in the US, as well as the exchange of expertise, training materials, and the organisation of conferences and workshops on crime prevention, leadership skills, and English language training. The deputy minister took the occasion to extend greetings to the FBI on its 116th anniversary (July 26, 1908 2024) and expressed his hope that the bureau will remain an active partner of the ministry in maintaining security and safety for the benefit of Vietnamese and US citizens, thus deepening and enhancing the countries relations. VNS HA NOI Austrian Ambassador to Viet Nam Hans-Peter Glanzer has been awarded the For peace and friendship among nations insignia of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) in recognition of his significant and substantive contributions to the two countries relations. Speaking at the awarding ceremony in Ha Noi on Monday, VUFO President Phan Anh Son said that during his working tenure in Viet Nam, the ambassador has made great contributions to enhancing bilateral cooperation in various fields, with emphasis placed on people-to-people diplomacy, fostering exchanges, interactions, and mutual understanding between the two peoples. Under the leadership of the ambassador, the embassy has coordinated with Vietnamese agencies and organisations to hold cultural and art exchange programmes, which have enhanced the publics access to and participation in cultural and artistic events, and helped promote cultural diversity and foster the two peoples exchanges. The ambassador has also played a crucial role in the joint efforts of both sides to successfully arrange high-level meetings and delegation exchanges, and organise major events, such as the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Austria (December 1, 1972 2022). He has also paid due attention to promoting bilateral cooperation in trade, economics, science, and education, added Son. Expressing his honour to receive the insignia, Ambassador Hans-Peter Glanzer thanked the VUFO, the Viet Nam-Austria Friendship Association, and Vietnamese partners for their support during his tenure. Stressing the importance of the friendship and cooperation between the two peoples, the ambassador said he believes people-to-people exchanges will serve as a bridge to promote collaboration in various fields such as economics, investment, trade, education, culture, and tourism; and further deepen the relationship between Viet Nam and Austria. VNA/VNS It was, broadly speaking, another good year for Houston's highest-paid executives, a list dominated by the leaders of major energy companies and, in particular, Exxon. With Chairman and CEO Darren Woods leading this year's list, three Exxon execs with combined compensation of more than $80 million placed among the top four. Exxon Mobil Chairman and CEO Darren Woods received 2023 compensation of $37 million. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Baker Hughes Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Simonelli was paid $21.7 million in 2023. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Woods, who has led Spring-based Exxon since 2017, received a package worth $37 million, according to information filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Jack Williams and Neil Chapman, senior vice-presidents at Exxon, placed third and fourth respectively, with Williams receiving compensation of about $23 million and Chapman about $22 million. Karen McKee, president of the company's product solutions business, was eighth with compensation of about $20 million. McKee was the lone woman among the top 10. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Rounding out the top five were Talen Energy chief Mark "Mac" McFarland at No. 2 and Lorenzo Simonelli of Baker Hughes at No. 5. McFarland, who became president and CEO of the Houston-based power generating company in May 2023, received a package of about $30 million. Simonelli, president, chairman and CEO of the oilfield services company, earned about $21.7 million. The makeup of the top five reflects the overall list, which is dominated by leaders of energy-related companies such as Exxon, Philips 66, Halliburton, Baker Hughes, ConocoPhillips, Cheniere and Enterprise Products Partners, all of which have more than two executives among the list of 100. Hewlett Packard Enterprise CEO Antonio Fabio Neri was the only executive among the top 10 who doesn't work for an energy company. The Argentine-born Neri joined HPE in 1995, and has served as its CEO since 2018. His compensation in 2023 was pegged at $20,066,549, placing him ninth on the list. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Neri is among a growing number of highly compensated tech company executives across the U.S. Eight of the 25 highest compensated CEOs in the U.S. in 2023 were in the tech industry, according to the Wall Street Journal, Other notable outliers on the list include No. 24 Kevin P. Hourican of Sysco, the world's largest food distributor. Hourican's 2023 compensation package was valued $14,341,020. Thomas L. Ryan, chairman of the board, president and CEO of Service Corp. International, the country's largest provider of funeral, cremation and cemetery services, came in at No. 39 with a package valued at $11,256,728. The value of incentives Despite the large dollar values of the compensation packages given to these executives, many don't have the highest annual salaries. Woods drew a salary of just $1.7 million, less than 5 percent of his total compensation and a bonus of about $4.8 million. The bulk of his compensation, about $23 million, came from restricted shares of Exxon stock. Advertisement Article continues below this ad That's because executive compensation packages, which are determined by a company's board of directors, are generally structured to include short and long-term incentives, which help align executive compensation with a company's performance. "It allows the company to have the pay coincide with how well the company's doing," said Wes Hart, a managing director and consulting team leader at Pearl Meyer in Houston. Rising compensation For executives whose compensation is loaded with shares of company stock, the ebullient market of 2023 helped make them richer, at least on paper. The S&P 500 rose 24.2% in 2023 and returned 26.2% if you include dividends, helping explain why the average executive compensation in Houston last year increased across sectors. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Last year, seven of the 10 highest-paid CEOs in the area received more remuneration, including salary, stock awards and other incentives, than the year before. The average value of their compensation packages rose by about $1.5 million to nearly $24 million apiece. BEHIND THE RANKINGS: How we compiled our ranking of Houston's 100 highest paid executives "A very simple truism would be executives do a lot better when stock prices are up, because they all own a bunch of stock," said Hart, adding: "We thought 2023 was going to be a so-so year and it ended up being pretty good." Even greater gains were realized by executives lower on the list, who had more modest compensation packages to begin with. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Nine executives saw their compensation more than double from 2022 to 2023. Among them: Adam B. Anderson, CEO of Innovex, a designer and manufacturer of onshore and offshore drilling equipment. Anderson's compensation soared to $7.6 million from $600,000 in 2022, a 1,200% increase. BUENOS AIRES A delegation from the National Assembly (NA), led by Vu Hong Thanh, member of its Standing Committee and Chairman of its Economic Committee, visited Argentina and Chile from July 29 to August 4. At a meeting on August 2 with the Vietnamese delegation, Luciana Termine, chairperson of the Argentine Chamber of Deputies committee for external relations and international cooperation, underscored the growing depth of parliamentary cooperation between the two countries at bilateral forums and international inter-parliamentary platforms, contributing to strengthening the Viet Nam-Argentina relations. Expressing his wish to further enhance the bilateral relationship, particularly in parliamentary activities, Thanh considered Argentina a significant economic partner for Viet Nam in Latin America and proposed accelerating negotiations for a free trade agreement between Viet Nam and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur). He affirmed that Viet Nam and Argentina have significant potential for expanding cooperation in such fields as agriculture, industry, cultural and sport exchange, and education. He also proposed the establishment of a direct flight route between the sides to boost investment, trade, and tourism. On the occasion, the National Congress of Argentina launched the Argentina-Viet Nam Friendship Parliamentarians Group, chaired by Santiago Pauli. In his speech at the launch, Pauli pledged to deepen cooperative relations with Viet Nam, a leading trade partner of Argentina. He expressed his desire to establish a bilateral strategic partnership in the industrial and agricultural sectors in the near future. During their stay in Argentina, the delegation laid a wreath at the statue of President Ho Chi Minh at the Viet Nam Park in Buenos Aires, and visited several business models in Buenos Aires Province. Earlier, as part of their trip to Chile, the delegation met with Karol Cariola, President of the Chilean Chamber of Deputies. At the meeting, Thanh and Cariola agreed to continue promoting cooperation between the two parliaments and their agencies. They emphasised the importance of exchanging delegations, sharing parliamentary experience, and creating a legal framework for economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. Both sides agreed to continue leveraging the role of the legislative bodies, particularly their related friendship parliamentarians groups, in fostering bilateral relations, and maintaining close coordination at multilateral parliamentary forums. Meanwhile, at a working session with the delegation, Maria Teresa Vial, President of the Santiago Chamber of Commerce, affirmed her commitment to supporting Vietnamese enterprises in exploring trade opportunities with Chilean partners in various fields, particularly agriculture, fisheries, renewable energy, and processing industries. It is also necessary to step up export-import activities to capitalise on benefits brought about by the Viet Nam-Chile FTA, she noted. The delegation also laid a wreath at Ho Chi Minh Park in Cerro Navia district, Santiago de Chile. VNS HA NOI Developing the relations with China remains Viet Nams consistent policy and strategic choice, and a top priority in its foreign policy of self-reliance, multilateralisation, and diversification, said National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man on Monday. The NA leader told Chinese Ambassador Xiong Bo in Ha Noi as the latter came to say goodbye at the end of his tenure in the Southeast Asian nation. Man used the occasion to thank Chinese comrades for their special sentiments to General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong, who passed away last month. The top legislator emphasised the close neighbourliness and time-honoured friendship between the two countries, as well as similarities in the political system and the path towards socialism under the leadership of the communist party. Viet Nam always keeps in mind the great, whole-hearted support from the Chinese Party, State and people to its past struggle for national independence and reunification, and its present cause of national construction and defence, the leader continued. Man lauded significant contributions by the ambassador and the staff of the Chinese Embassy in Viet Nam over the past time, saying Xiong has played an active part in advancing the relations between the two Parties and countries to a new height, and promoting the bilateral cooperation across spheres, with two-way trade nearing US$95 billion in the first half of this year. The chief legislator also hailed the diplomats role in enhancing collaboration between the Vietnamese NA and the National People's Congress of China, which is now growing intensively. The two sides have maintained their exchanges through many flexible forms, as well as their consultation and close coordination at regional and inter-parliamentary forums, especially the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), he added. Man expressed his hope that Xiong, in any position, will keep his good sentiments towards Vietnam, and contribute more to the stable, sustainable development of the Viet Nam-China relations. For his part, the ambassador extended his deepest sympathy over the passing of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, saying it is the huge loss to the Vietnamese Party, State and people, as well as the relations between the two Parties and countries. Xiong also congratulated President To Lam on his election as the General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee. He said cooperation between the two Parties and countries in various areas, from economy and trade to people-to-people exchange, has reaped marked achievements, with the Vietnamese legislature playing a crucial role. The diplomat expressed his belief that the Vietnamese NA will continue affirming its role in enhancing the relationship and friendship between the two countries in the time ahead. VNS HA NOI National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man on Monday received Ambassador of the Republic of Korea (RoK) to Viet Nam Choi Young-sam who has started his term of office in Viet Nam. Man asked the ambassador to convey his thanks to Prime Minister Han Duck Soo - Special Envoy of the Korean President - for leading a Korean delegation to Viet Nam to pay their respects to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, which demonstrated the sincere sentiments of the Korean Government and people towards the Vietnamese Government and people and the late Party chief. He said that Viet Nam RoK relations are developing fruitfully. In December 2022, the two countries upgraded the relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, showing that the bilateral cooperation has developed in different fields, including economy, trade, industry, services, tourism, and labour. The top Vietnamese legislator said that developing relations with the RoK is a top priority in Viet Nam's foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification. The RoK is currently a major investor in Viet Nam. Two-way trade is expected to reach about US$100 billion in 2025 and $150 billion by 2030. To achieve these goals, the two sides need to strive vigorously with specific solutions, prioritising the fields of economy, trade, import and export, Man said. The Vietnamese NA will issue preferential mechanisms and policies to attract investment not only for Korean enterprises but also for firms around the world to invest and do business in Viet Nam, and monitor agreements and documents signed between the two countries, he said. As the RoK has strengths in high-tech industry, semiconductor technology, education, healthcare, among others, Man suggested the two countries continue to promote cooperation in these fields. He noted that about 270,000 Vietnamese nations are working and living in the RoK and about 200,000 Koreans are working and living in Viet Nam, added they are bridges for good relations between the two countries. Man suggested that in the coming time, the two countries should increase exchanges and delegations at all levels and high levels, and further consolidate trust and mutual understanding between the two countries and the two NAs. For his part, Choi agreed that the Viet Nam RoK relationship is developing very brilliantly, affirming that he will make every effort to promote the cooperative ties between the two countries, consolidate political trust through promoting high-level exchanges and exchanges between the two legislative bodies. According to the ambassador, economic cooperation is a pillar in the bilateral relationship. The Korean government and businesses are interested in promoting investment in Viet Nam in the fields of high technology, and semiconductor technology. He hoped that in the coming time, the Vietnamese NA will issue mechanisms and policies, and create favourable conditions for Korean businesses to invest and do business in Viet Nam and for the Korean community to live, study and work in the Southeast Asian country; and promote the implementation of cooperation projects in which the RoK has strengths and Viet Nam has needs, such as clean energy, renewable energy, semiconductors, and high-tech electronics. VNS VINH LONG The Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long hopes to further cooperate with Japans Niigata prefecture in various areas, Chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee Lu Quang Ngoi said on Monday when hosting a delegation of the prefecture led by its Governor Hanazumi Hideyo. At the meeting, Ngoi emphasised that last year, Viet Nam and Japan celebrated the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations and upgraded the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World. On November 24 last year, Vinh Long and Niigata signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation, which is an important milestone and an opportunity for the two localities to cooperate more effectively. In the coming time, Vinh Long hopes for more effective collaboration with the Japanese prefecture, especially in expanding the reception of interns and workers from Vinh Long province to improve skills and work in Niigata, human resources training, health care, elderly care, and tourism, he said. The province is willing to promote trade connections and welcome more Japanese businesses and investors to learn about investment opportunities in Vinh Long, he added. He affirmed that the local authorities vow to create the most favourable conditions for Niigata agencies and businesses to implement more intensive, practical and effective cooperation activities here. For his part, Governor Hanazumi Hideyo said as climate change has greatly affected agricultural production in Vinh Long, Niigata will support the Vietnamese province with climate-resilient rice varieties, towards rice cultivation that reduces methane emissions. Niigata prefecture will create the best possible environment for Vinh Long people to study and work, he said. At their working session, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vinh Long province and Niigata University signed an MoU on cooperation in the agricultural sector, focusing on researching the cultivation of Japanese drought-tolerant rice varieties; methane emission reduction; implementing a two-way rice export project between Vietnam and Japan; and exchanging human resources in the agricultural sector. Japan is now the largest foreign investor in Vinh Long province with 11 projects worth over US$413 million, mostly in food production and processing, warehousing services, goods storage, and production of machines, tools, and small precision machinery components. Vinh Long's exports to Japan last year reached nearly $128 million, accounting for 17 per cent of the province's total export turnover. The figure is forecast to hit about $138 million this year. Notably, in the 2010-2023 period, Vinh Long sent nearly 10,000 workers to work under fixed-term contracts in Japan, accounting for over 76 per cent of the total number of Vinh Long guest workers. The figure in the first seven months this year was nearly 850 or nearly 82 per cent. VNS VIENTIANE President of the Viet Nam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) Chau Van Minh and Lao Minister of Technology and Communications Boviengkham Vongdara on Monday co-chaired the third bilateral meeting between the two agencies to discuss ways to promote their cooperation in the coming time. At the meeting, the two sides updated each other on the implementation of cooperation contents regrading draft proposals on the project on building a data and communication centre on natural disasters (earthquake) for Laos and another on building a national centre for data storage and computing cloud in Laos that the two Governments mentioned in the minutes of the 46th Session of the Viet Nam Laos Intergovernmental Committee on Bilateral Cooperation this year. The Institute of Geophysics under VAST, the unit in charge of the national centre for earthquake and tsunami warning, and the Research Institute for Smart Technology (ARIST) under the Lao Ministry of Technology and Communications (MTC) have coordinated to build a joint laboratory for earthquake data and communication at MTC. In addition to supporting basic equipment, VAST has provided training on basic data analysis for 15 ARIST officers. At the meeting, VAST President Chau Van Minh and Minister Boviengkham Vongdara signed the minutes of the meeting and witnessed the signing of the cooperation agreement between the Institute of Information Technology under VAST and ARIST. VAST and MTC also agreed to continue cooperation in human resources development, enhance professional capacity in the field of technology and innovation; and share experience in digital technology development. On the same day, the Academy of Science and Technology under VAST conferred the title of Honorary Professor on Minister Boviengkham Vongdara, who is also President of the Laos Viet Nam Friendship Association, for his great contributions to promoting scientific and technological cooperation activities between VAST and the Lao ministry. VNS NGHE AN The Border medicine cabinet model operated by the Phuc Son Border Guard Station in the past five years has promoted effectiveness of health care and treatments in four border villages. It is one of eight border medicine cabinets set up by the Nghe An Province Border Guard. In addition to maintaining security and order, the Guard Station has coordinated with local authorities to effectively implement economic and social development programmes. It creates livelihoods and helps local people eradicate diseases and hunger, thereby gaining the trust and love of local officials and people. Health care Major and military doctor Nguyen Ba Luong, 51, is in charge of the Phuc Son Border Guard Stations medical cabinet. Rain or shine, he diligently examines patients. Vi Thi Thiet, 58, a Thai ethnic woman in Cao Veu 2 Village, Phuc Son Commune, Anh Son District, said that she regularly came to the Border Medicine Cabinet to have her blood pressure measured, heart rate and joints checked and to receive free medicine. Previously, when the medicine cabinet was not there, every time she was sick, she had to ask relatives to take her by motorbike to the commune health station, which is more than 20km along the forest road, along the hills and mountains. It was a really hard journey. Many other patients said that since the Border Medicine Cabinet was established, medical examination and treatment has become much more convenient. Military doctors from the Phuc Son Border Guard Station are regularly present to promptly provide health care to people with a very enthusiastic attitude and thoughtful advice. Regardless of night or day, every time people need to be examined, the military doctors are present, or they will cross mountains and forests to local people's houses to check their health. The Cao Veu 1, 2, 3, 4 villages in Phuc Son Commune are located upstream of Giang and Veu rivers, in the buffer zone of the Pu Mat primeval forest. More than 40 years ago, the area was full of mountains and forests, with only a few dozen Thai ethnic households settling. Currently, the four villages have nearly 400 households, with more than 1,340 people, of which Thai people account for more than 84 per cent. In 2002, the Anh Son District People's Committee built the Cao Veu Medical Substation. It arranges three medical workers to give first aid to the people. In 2014, the medical substation moved near the Highway No 7. Since then, every time people get sick, they have to travel more than 20km to the commune health station. Senior Lieutenant Colonel Hoang Thanh Tung, Politician of the Phuc Son Border Guard Station, said that he understood the people's difficulties in taking care of their health, especially for the elderly and children. The unit had proposed the Nghe An Border Guard Command set up a medicine cabinet and it was approved. From February 2019, the Border Medicine Cabinet model was established, located in Cao Veu 2 Village with one military doctor to supply free health care and medicine to the people. The operating budget for the cabinet mainly comes from support of the provincial Border Guard Command, the Phuc Son Border Guard Station, the Red Cross Society, the Anh Son District Women's Union and other agencies and benefactors. Major Luong, who managed the cabinet, said that in the past five years, the unit had examined, treated and given free medicine to about 5,000 people. Sometimes the soldiers have to go through the forest to examine and treat people at home, with the furthest house more than 6km from the unit. People come mainly for high blood pressure problems, cardiovascular issues and bone and joint diseases. Children have acute respiratory and intestinal infections. Work accidents in production also happen a lot and are promptly treated by military doctors. For emergency cases, the unit will advise the patient for timely referral to an upper tier hospital. Poverty reduction Lieutenant Colonel Tung said that the station managed and protected more than 26km of border, with seven landmarks, (numbers 441 to 447). The area is adjacent to Xaychamphone District, Bolikhamsai Province of Laos. With a rugged mountainous terrain, many streams, frequent floods, landslides and traffic disruption in the rainy season, it is a difficult terrain to guard, but the unit has worked professionally to protect border sovereignty and security. At the same time, it maintains good external affairs to build a united border area, growing friendship, with special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Laos and Nghe An and Bolikhamsai Province. To effectively conduct socio-economic development programmes in the locality, the unit coordinates with the district Fatherland Front and Farmers' Association to carry out a number of models such as helping impoverished students, raising pigs and chickens and growing plants. Many households supported by the guard station have escaped poverty. Ngan Thi Loan, who lives in Cao Veu 4 Village, is a case in point. She was supported with two breeding pigs, 100 chickens and technical help and has now accumulated capital to expand a livestock farm, grows one hectare of tea and 1.000sq.m of cassava. VNS HA NOI A number of food poisoning cases reported recently at schools nationwide raised the urgent need to strengthen supervision on school meals, as well as highlighting the importance of carefully selecting and managing school meal providers. Dr Truong Hong Son, deputy secretary general of the Vietnam Medical Association, director of the Viet Nam Institute of Applied Medicine, said school meals are very important for children's health, especially for preschool and primary school children. Their immune system is not yet complete and they can be susceptible to digestive disorders. However, we have not paid enough attention to school meal safety. Every year, food poisoning cases still occur because many stages in the supply chain do not ensure food hygiene and safety, he said. The Ministry of Education and Training recently issued decisions guiding the organisation of school meals combined with increasing physical activity for students at preschools, primary and secondary schools. According to parents and teachers, the quality of school meals have been improving. Many schools have established food safety monitoring teams and some schools manage who enters and leaves the kitchen area. Concerned about the reputation of units and businesses providing schools meals Hoang Thi Xuan, a parent of a third grader in Cau Giay District, Ha Noi, said "The teacher mentions the names of meal providers. However, parents do not know what those units are like or what their capabilities are." Phung Ngoc Lien, a parent in Nam Tu Liem District, Ha Noi, said students' meals are paid for by their parents, but parents only know the meal providers name through the notice of the school. The school is not involved in the supplier selection process. Even in the family's daily meals, choosing safe, fresh food is not easy, so providing meals for thousands of students at school is even more difficult. This worry is not just mine but shared by many other parents, she told Vietnam News Agency. In this new school year, I will pay more attention to my children's meals as well as the criteria for choosing the school's meal supplier. Some parents have gone as far as to change school for their children because the school meal safety was not guaranteed. Nguyen Thu Hang, a mother in Long Bien District, Ha Noi, said Children need adequate, safe and reasonable nutrition to develop both physically and mentally. This year, I decided to change the school for my children because I realised that their meals at school last year were not safe enough." She wished parents could be directly involved in the process of selecting food suppliers and coordinate with the school to control their children's daily meals. Dr Hoang Ngoc Vinh, former director of the Department of Professional Education, Ministry of Education and Training, said to improve the quality of school meals, first of all, there needs to be close cooperation among schools, parents and authorities in selecting and supervising meal providers. Selection criteria need to be established transparently, based on the actual capacity of the supplier. Schools need to publicly disclose information about meal providers, including food origin, cooking process and certifications related to food safety. Parents need to have the right to access and get involved in this monitoring process, he said. Authorities need to strengthen inspection and supervision of food quality at catering units. Businesses need to be responsible and committed to the quality of the food they provide. In particular, there should be strict sanctions for violating businesses to protect the health and rights of students, he said. Schools often choose meal providers based on certain criteria, sometimes only checking certifications which can be fake. The quality of students' meals depends greatly on the responsibility and conscience of the suppliers and the school's supervision. Nguyen Van Anh, a mother in Ha Nois Ba inh District, said members of the parents' association should act as the supervisor to check on the quality of the meals. When delivering meals to children, parents can even sit and eat together with children. VNS HA NOI Many areas in Ha Noi were in inundated with extensive flooding following intense rainfall, a recurring problem over past years that has disrupted residents' daily lives. In a narrow alley submerged in water, Hoang Thi Huong, from Viet Hung Ward, Long Bien District, pulled out her phone to call her husband for a pair of wellies. The heavy rain on July 23 had left her alley severely flooded, with water levels rising between 50 and 65cm in places. This isnt the first time our alley has flooded so deeply, Huong said. That evening, Huong left her motorcycle at a friends house close by, wore the wellies and waded through the water to her home. The next morning, as the water had still not receded, she had to wade back out to retrieve her bike to go to the market for groceries. On that day, her child had to miss school and her husband took a day off work to look after the child and clean up the flooded kitchen area. Meanwhile, Huongs neighbour, Pham Thi Ngan, spent the entire night awake due to water entering her home on July 23. At 3am, I felt wet on my back and realised that the water had already flooded the entire house. That night, my husband and I, along with our three children, took turns bailing out the water, she said. Ngan said, drawing from experience with previous heavy rains, she built a sandbag barrier in front of her house to prevent flooding. However, the downpour on the night of July 23 into the early hours of July 24 caused some sandbags to burst and water seeped through cracks in the walls, leading to flooding throughout her home. Similarly, the heavy rain on July 23 also disrupted the lives of many residents in An Khanh urban area, Hoai uc District. Tran Van Nguyen, a resident at a local apartment complex, likened his home to an island whenever there was heavy rain. Nguyen said that on the evening of July 23, it took him three hours to travel from his office in Cau Giay District to his home due to the heavy rain. Upon reaching his apartment complex, he found the area severely flooded, forcing him to park his car by the roadside and walk about a kilometre to his home. The following morning, he got up early to wade to work, packing an extra set of clothes in his bag just in case he got wet. The Ha Nois Department of Transport said there were currently 30 'black spots' in the city that flood whenever it rained heavily, leading to traffic congestion and impacting residents' daily activities. The spots included Nguyen Khuyen Street, Hoa Bang Street, the Phan Boi Chau - Ly Thuong Kiet intersection, Minh Khai Street (at the foot of Vinh Tuy Bridge) and Thang Long Avenue. A representative from Ha Noi Sewerage and Drainage Company Limited said due to the effects of typhoon Prapiroon, widespread rainfall occurred on the night of July 23 and the morning of July 24. Rainfall measurements at 6am on July 24 ranged from 138mm to 295.8mm. The extensive and prolonged heavy rainfall had caused water levels in rivers and lakes to rise, leading to numerous flood points in Long Bien, Cau Giay, Tay Ho, Thanh Xuan, and Ha ong districts. Notably, on Thang Long Avenue, underpasses were severely flooded, submerging many motorcycles and making travel difficult. Causes The representative said the prolonged flooding in Thang Long Avenue was due to the areas being lower lying compared to their surroundings. Consequently, during heavy rains, water flowed rapidly towards these low areas, causing localised flooding. ao Ngoc Nghiem, vice president of the Viet Nam Urban Development and Planning Association talked to Lao ong (Labour) online newspaper, explaining that the flooding was because the water drainage system in the area was not connected to the main drainage channels. Additionally, the main drainage systems outside the urban areas lacked pumping stations, resulting in insufficient drainage capacity during heavy rains. Nghiem said according to global best practices in flood prevention, about three to five per cent of land should be used as water retention lakes. However, Ha Noi currently only had around two per cent of land used as reservoirs. Although the city had numerous drainage channels, many of them were blocked or were not used effectively. The city was now divided into three drainage zones, consisting of the north of the city and the left and right banks of the ay River. However, local pumping stations to transfer water to main stations had not been fully established. Many pumping stations were still inadequate or yet to be built, he said. Solutions Therefore, Nghiem recommended that existing drainage projects be reviewed and adjusted. Additionally, regular maintenance of sewers, channels and ditches was crucial, along with comprehensive research into the river systems flowing through the city. To fix the situation, the city is implementing several projects, such as upgrading the Phuong Trach Pump Station in ong Anh District and improving the drainage system in the Yen Nghia Pump Station in Ha ong District. Moreover, numerous projects are in the planning stages, including the left bank of the Nhue River drainage system, the Ha ong District drainage system on the right bank of the Nhue River, the Gia Thuong pumping station, the Cu Khoi water retention lake and Thuong Thanh drainage channel in Long Bien District. Trinh Ngoc Son, deputy general director of Ha Noi Sewerage and Drainage Company Limited said in the long term, the city needed to invest in drainage infrastructure according to the urban planning framework, including new pumping stations such as Nam Thang Long and Ba Xa as well as water retention lakes like Co Nhue 1, Co Nhue 2 and Phu o to mitigate flooding in the area. In particular, for Thang Long Avenue, the company suggested constructing temporary pumping stations such as ia Sao to lower water levels in local channels and ong Tep to pump water from the ong Tep and Trung Thuong channels before, during and after heavy rains, to reduce the extent and duration of flooding. Additionally, relevant agencies had to construct drainage infrastructure as planned, such as pumping stations of Lien Mac, Lien Trung, Yen Thai, ao Nguyen and Cao Vien, along with 531ha of water retention lakes and developing a drainage system along the avenue to channel water to the ay River through the ao Nguyen pump station. VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Public Security has proposed a significant reduction in fines for drivers with alcohol concentration levels that do not exceed 50mg in 100ml of blood or 0.25mg in one litre of breath. Specifically, the ministry suggested imposing fines ranging from VN800,000 to VN1 million (US$39.6) for drivers with alcohol concentration level below or equal to 50mg in 100ml of blood or 0.25mg in 1 litre of breath. The current regulations, under Decree 100/2019/N-CP which took effect on January 1, 2020, stipulated the fine ranging from VN6-8 million ($237-317). The ministry said that reducing the fines stipulated in the decree for alcohol concentration levels to better align with the nature and severity of the violation. It is currently seeking feedback on the changes. For violations where alcohol levels in the blood or breath exceed 50 milligrams to 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood, or 0.25 milligrams to 0.4 milligrams per litre of breath, the ministry proposed maintaining the current fine of VN16-18 million ($634-713). The fine for alcohol levels exceeding 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood or 0.4 milligrams per litre of breath remains at VN30-40 million ($1,189-1,586). The ministry also proposed fines for drunk motorbike riders. Fines ranging from VN400,000 to VN600,000 will be applied for riders with alcohol levels in their blood or breath not exceeding 50mg in 100ml of blood or 0.25mg in 1 litre of breath. Currently, the fine for such violations ranges from VN2 million to VN3 million. The ministry also suggested fines between VN800,000 and VN1 million for operators of specialised motor vehicles with alcohol levels in their blood or breath not exceeding 50mg in 100ml of blood or 0.25mg in 1 litre of breath. The existing fine for this offense is VN3 million to VN5 million. The Road Traffic Safety Law, recently approved by the National Assembly and effective from January 1, 2025, stipulates a complete ban on alcohol consumption for drivers operating any vehicle on public roads. Specifically, it prohibited driving with any level of alcohol in the blood or breath. The Ministry of Health has been assigned to regulate the health conditions of drivers and operators of specialised motor vehicles and to establish guidelines for determining both blood alcohol levels and endogenous alcohol concentrations. According to the Ministry of Public Security, after traffic police intensified crackdown on drivers violating alcohol limits in 2023, the number of traffic accidents related to alcohol consumption decreased by 25 per cent, the number of deaths decreased by 50 per cent and the number of injuries decreased by 22 per cent compared to the same period in 2022. VNS HA NOI A delegation of the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) led by Deputy General Director Nguyen Tuan Hung visited Cuba from July 28 to August 3 to further enhance the traditional friendship and cooperation with large press agencies of the Caribbean nation. Visiting the headquarters and many establishments of Prensa Latina (Latin American News Agency) in Havana, Hung highlighted the two news agencies practical cooperation results over the past more than 60 years of their countries close-knit fraternity. They are implementing the cooperation agreement for 2023-28 through various activities, including sharing daily news in different languages such as English, French, and Spanish and exchanging language editors. Units of the VNA have kept close coordination to support the Prensa Latina bureau in Ha Noi while the Cuban side has also stayed ready to assist VNA correspondents in Havana, he said. Hung expressed his hope that the two sides will maintain fruitful cooperation in all aspects, adding the VNA is ready to help Prensa Latina with capacity building to catch up with the trend of modern journalism. President of Prensa Latina Luis Enrique Gonzalez Acosta appreciated the VNAs assistance, especially amid numerous difficulties facing Cuba and his agency. He affirmed Prensa Latina views the cooperation with the VNA as a key and strategic partnership, and that the VNAs proposals, recommendations, and support in the field are invaluable for it to sketch out its development orientations and many important projects in the future. At the meeting, the two sides discussed some joint projects, including the coverage of the 65th founding anniversary of the Viet Nam-Cuba diplomatic ties (December 2, 1960-2025). They agreed to increase the popularisation of Viet Nam, including its people, culture and economic achievements, by distributing Viet Nam Pictorial across Latin America, considering this a practical step to help Viet Nam come closer to people on this continent, thereby strengthening and expanding the Southeast Asian countrys connections with American nations. At a working session with the board of directors of the Cuban News Agency (ACN), Hung and ACN Director Edda Diz Garces reviewed the progress in bilateral cooperation, reaffirming the wish to further reinforce their time-tested links. The VNA Deputy General Director highly valued the exchange of information, voicing the readiness to assist the ACN in building capacity and diversifying forms of news. For her part, the host official thanked the VNA for its practical support, which has helped the ACN to keep its flow of news uninterrupted. Expressing her hope for stronger bilateral collaboration to uphold the traditional ties between the two agencies as well as between their countries, Edda Diz Garces described the bonds between the ACN and the VNA as the relationship between sincere colleagues and also between those sharing the same ideal. During the working trip, the VNA delegation also paid a courtesy call to Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Le Quang Long. VNA/VNS There are many reasons to love the 80s/early 90s but high on the list is the wave of films that emerged from the small, then-British colony of Hong Kong during those years. From the spine-snapping stunt work of Jackie Chan (Project A," "Police Story," "Dragons Forever") to the rapturous early films of director Wong Kar-wai (As Tears Go By," "Days of Being Wild"), the wuxia fantasies of Tsui Hark (A Chinese Ghost Story") and noir-ish gangster thrillers from the likes of John Woo (The Killer," "A Better Tomorrow," "Hard Boiled") and Ringo Lam (City on Fire"), Hong Kong provided a joyous sense of cinematic discovery for the rest of the world. Four decades on and some in Hong Kong are looking back fondly. The Hong Kong martial-arts crime film "Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In," opening Friday in theaters, is a glorious throwback to those days, both cinematically and literally. It is a shoutout to all the Hong Kong films that preceded it, and it's also set in '80s-era Hong Kong, inside Kowloon Walled City, a crime-ridden, high-rise slum full of squalor and misery that was bulldozed in the early 90s. 'KNEECAP' REVIEW : Riotous film will have you singing the glories of Irish rap In fact, the film has been in development for years and, as originally conceived, reportedly was to be co-directed by Woo and Johnnie To and feature an all-star cast of Chinese stars, including Chow Yun-fat, Andy Lau and Tony Leung, as well as Nicolas Cage and James McAvoy. Like that ever was going to happen! Raymond Lam in 'Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In' Well Go USA While the end result, now directed by Soi Cheang (Mad Fate," "Limbo"), may not be quite as deliriously over the top as that version might have been, it's nevertheless a solid entry in the ledger of Hong Kong crime sagas and was a huge hit when released in China earlier this year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 'Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In' Unrated: martial arts action Running time: 125 minutes Where: Opens Friday at Cinemark Memorial City, Houston; AMC Gulf Pointe 30, Houston; Alamo Drafthouse LaCenterra, Katy; Cinemark Longmeadow, Richmond; AMC Loews Fountains 18, Stafford. Languages: Cantonese and Mandarin with English subtitles. (out of 5) Chan Lok Kwan (Raymond Lam) is a wiry, hungry refugee from mainland China who, when viewers first meet him, is trying to score some cash by winning a bare-knuckle brawl match (on a floor covered in shattered glass) in a cheesy club owned by gangster/drug dealer Mr. Big (the legendary Sammo Hung, a frequent Jackie Chan collaborator). Mr. Big decides to not pay Chan and tells him that's the cost he charges for getting Chan a fake Hong Kong ID, something Chan desperately wants so he can work. But when Mr. Big, backed by his gang of brutes led by King (Philip Ng), reneges on that promise, Chan takes matters into his own hands by stealing a bag of cocaine from the table, leading to one of the film's best action set pieces: a chase through the streets of Hong Kong that includes an sublimely choreographed fight on a double-decker bus. Mr. Big's thugs chase Chan to the entrance of Kowloon Walled City, an area in which they are afraid to venture, as it's controlled by an even more vicious gangster, Cyclone (Louis Koo, "Once Upon a Time in Hong Kong"). Sammo Hung in 'Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In' Well Go USA Chan, desperate to find something resembling safety, has no qualms about entering this lion's den. But he soon finds himself at odds with Cyclone, too, who has probably forgotten more martial arts than Chan ever knew. But to survive, loner Chan is going to have to pledge his loyalty to a mob boss, even though he says he wants nothing to do with the Triads (gangs). He's just trying to find a home, never mind that his search ends up setting off a wider gang war. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Cheang, working from a script based on the comic book by Yi-Yu, takes viewers deep into the claustrophobic world of his re-created Walled City, a place so dark and dank that the sheer vision of a low-flying jet overhead or a child's kite flying between the buildings is enough to provoke wonder. The film is handsomely shot and the action scenes are well-staged. Stunt coordinator Tenji Kanigaki deserves applause, but so does 72-year-old Sammo Hung, who still has some major martial-arts moves. Beyond the action, there is a whisper of nostalgia throughout "Twilight of the Warriors" that separates it from other films of this type. Background news reports hint at the changes Hong Kong will face over the next decade, including being returned to China in 1997, that will alter everything. Meanwhile, others are eager to carve up the Walled City's acreage once it's torn down. (That area is now a park.) The "twilight" of the title applies not just to the gangsters but an entire world. Stay through the end credits to see Cheang's re-creations of the Walled City's dilapidated but homey street culture and it's a sweet farewell to a way of life that is long gone. Louis Koo in 'Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In' Well Go USA However, not everything works. Apparently, King has help from the supernatural, and that's never really explained. So, the fights in which he is engaged bear a cartoonish aura that undercuts the seriousness of the rest of the film. Advertisement Article continues below this ad HCM CITY HCM City plans to build a database of overseas Vietnamese (OVs) to connect them and promote their contributions to the citys development. The HCM City Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs has organised the second get-together Overseas Vietnamese Meeting Point of 2024 with the theme of effective solutions for building a database of overseas Vietnamese in the digital age and current international integration. The event aims to spread and promote the values of the HCM City Cultural Space - Overseas Vietnamese Meeting Point. It also provides an opportunity for the OVs community and their relatives in the city to connect, share information, and collaborate in various fields. This is an opportunity for the OVs community to participate in research and contribute constructive opinions to the plan for building a database of OV. The get-together's participants proposed prioritising the focus on OV intellectuals and entrepreneurs to establish appropriate access mechanisms to connect and attract resources and soft power for the city. Vu Thi Huynh Mai, Chairwoman of HCM Citys Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, highly appreciated the opinions and proposals of the participating delegates. Building a database of OVs is essential in the digital age and aligns with the general trend of developing e-government and digital transformation, she said. Through this database, the rights of OVs can be better ensured, such as timely support for immigration procedures, repatriation, confirmation of Vietnamese origin, and regular administrative procedures related to residency. The city has about 2.8 million overseas Vietnamese in 130 countries and territories. However, regarding the fields in which OVs operate and their occupations, the city does not have data. Building an overseas Vietnamese database is expected to be a driving force to gather OVs in all countries and territories so that each group can promote their role to support the city when needed. VNS Bao Minh was honoured as an outstanding green industrial real estate developer at the Vietnam Industrial Property Forum 2024 Has environmental protection been a central focus of the companys initiatives over the years? Recognising the social responsibility, especially concerning environmental issues, from the outset of developing the industrial park (IP) infrastructure and attracting investors to set up production facilities, our company has established criteria and adhered to principles that prioritise environmental protection. This is seen as a critical task for the IPs to operate long-term and achieve sustainable development. Additionally, to promote the spirit of environmental responsibility, we understand that our company must set a model example in this area. Only by doing so can we, the developer of Bao Minh IP in Nam Dinh province and Hai Long IP in Thai Binh economic zone, gain the trust of our tenants and collectively pursue sustainable development goals. Can you elaborate on the environmental protection schemes at your companys IPs? Our company has systematically invested in modern environmental protection facilities, ensuring compliance with standards and regulations. We guarantee that all wastewater is collected and treated through a centralised wastewater treatment system, and that all treated wastewater meets regulatory standards before being discharged into the environment. Moreover, Bao Minh IP adheres strictly to a proactive rather than reactive approach, prioritising the prevention and preparedness for environmental incidents. Every enterprise within the IP must have a contingency plan for environmental emergencies and install necessary preventive measures before operating their facilities. This includes wastewater treatment systems, emergency wastewater storage systems, emergency pumps, and sluice gates. These measures ensure that even if an environmental incident occurs at one plant, it will not spread or impact the surrounding areas. Hai Long IP signed agreements with partners in Shenzhen When it comes to environmental issues, we cannot overlook technical and technological solutions. How has the company implemented these? In its efforts to attract and recruit, Bao Minh IP prioritises inviting investors who plan to build factories with modern, advanced technologies that have minimal environmental impact. The company encourages businesses to enhance their production technologies and adopt closed-loop processes, closely controlling waste and emissions. Implementing technological solutions means applying advanced scientific and technical achievements and clean technology equipment to production, ensuring minimal resource and energy use while generating the least amount of waste. In addition to the criteria and principles mentioned, since 2018, the company has been certified by the international organisation TUV Nord for meeting international standards in infrastructure management and environmental protection. In 2022, our company was also honoured by the Urban and Infrastructure Development Research Institute as an outstanding IP for its environmentally friendly technical infrastructure, landscape, and professional services. Does the company have specific environmental protection measures in place for employees, considering they play a crucial role in implementing the companys and investors commitments? Our company continually strives to enhance the role of employees within each company in identifying and providing feedback on the environmental protection practices and the attention given to the material and psychological wellbeing of workers. We regularly consult trade unions and human resource managers in companies to obtain accurate feedback and address concerns with business owners when necessary. This is a crucial measure, as inadequate environmental protection practices by companies directly impact the local community, affecting their health and even their lives. Therefore, it is essential to strengthen and leverage the role of employees in identifying companies that are not meeting standards. This allows us to engage in discussions with management to develop solutions and improve practices. What is the companys mindset towards pursuing green development goals? In our core values, social responsibility is not merely a compulsory social activity. We view it as a privilege and an honour to share responsibility with the government, employees, and the local community. It is also a source of pride for our customers and partners. These criteria and principles will undoubtedly continue to guide the company, not only in the existing IP, but also as we elevate and apply them to future projects. Recently, your company organised a promotion event with investors from China. Could you share some insights on the sectors that are currently being prioritised for development? At this event, electronics, high technology, and AI were the main areas of interest for investors. This also demonstrates our commitment to green development, as we strive to pull in higher-quality funding with greater intellectual and technological value. During the event, we signed cooperation agreements with the Guangdong High-Tech Chamber of Commerce, the Shenzhen Intelligent Equipment Association, the Shenzhen Electronics Association, and the Bach Tai Group. We hope these initial partnerships will not only enhance the operational efficiency of our IP, but also bring our green development strategies to fruition and attract high-quality investors to Vietnam in the near future. This marks the central province of Thanh Hoa's third major project after its oil refinery and petrochemical complex and a thermal power plant. The five investors invited included a joint venture between JERA and Sovico, and a consortium of Korea Southern Power Company, Korea Gas Corporation, Daewoo Engineering & Construction Group, and Anh Phat Construction and Trading Investment. The three others were Gulf Energy Development, SK E&S Co., Ltd., and a joint venture between Vietnam Oil and Gas Power Corporation and T&T Group. Located in Nghi Son town, the project is expected to cost over $2.4 billion, with a 50-year implementation period and commercial operation slated before 2030. The investors minimum equity capital requirement is $362.5 million. The project, spreading across 68 hectares, will include a 1,500MW LNG power plant, an LNG import port, a 1km-long wave barrier, and supporting infrastructure for the port. To secure the bid, the interested participants must have a Letter of Guarantee from a credit institution or foreign bank branch established under Vietnamese law. There will not be a pre-bidding conference. The timeline to open the bidding is 3pm on September 30, which is delayed compared to the initial plan. Nghi Son Economic Zone Management Authority in December 2023 initially approved the investment policy and wanted to select the investor by the second quarter of 2024. Doosan wants to develop LNG project South Korea's Doosan Group is interested in working with Vietnam Electricity (EVN) to develop the liquefied natural gas (LNG) Quang Trach 2 project and other renewable energy projects. Land clearance for $2 billion Thai Binh LNG power plant set for completion in January 2025 Thai Binh authorities are working with the investor to complete site clearance for a $2 billion LNG power plant in the northern province by January 2025. Cai Mep LNG Terminal to start commercial operations in September 2024 AG&P LNG, a subsidiary of Nebula Energy, along with its partner, Hai Linh Co., Ltd., a prominent petroleum product import terminal and trader, have announced the start of the commissioning of Cai Mep LNG Terminal. Ministry approves base price for LNG-fired power at 10.56 US cents/kWh The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has approved the base price for liquefied petroleum gas (LNG)-fired power produced by combined cycle gas turbine thermal power plants at 0-2,590.85 VND per kWh for this year. Launching report "Driven by Voltage: Navigating the electric vehicle landscape" by KPMG in Ho Chi Minh City Over 80 industry leaders attended the launch event to gain insight into Vietnam's burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market, including automotive manufacturers, distributors, original equipment manufacturers, industrial park developers, financial services providers, and policymakers. Through a comprehensive survey of over 1,000 participants and in-depth interviews with distributors and dealers, the research offered attendees a detailed look at consumer behaviour and market trends shaping the EV landscape. Combined with the recent KPMG's Global Automotive Executive Survey, this research gives industry leaders the insights they need to propel Vietnam towards a sustainable and electrified future. Nguyen Tuan Hong Phuc, partner, head of Customer and Operations Consulting at KPMG in Vietnam said: Vietnam's EV sector is booming thanks to supportive government policies, growing consumer interest, and fast-paced tech advances. This creates the perfect environment for new ventures in mobility. Trieu Khac Thiep, head of Vehicles at Cho Tot Xe said, "Living green" is no longer just a trend; it has become a goal and an essential criterion influencing modern life behaviours for most people. Over the past decade, Cho Tot Xe has embarked on a mission to create a new journey for millions of used vehicles through trade-in campaigns. Its initiatives have reduced millions of tonnes of CO2 and helped users transition quickly to electric vehicles. In the coming decade, Cho Tot Xe will commit to improving the experience of searching for, selecting, and purchasing such vehicles across all platforms. The report reveals Vietnam's EV sector as a fertile ground for innovation, driven by a confluence of factors like strategic government commitment to net-zero, supportive policies promoting a green economy create fertile ground for EV adoption. Consumer appetite is burgeoning, nearly 70 per cent of surveyed participants expressed interest in purchasing an EV, highlighting a significant shift in consumer preferences. Market dynamics are expanding. Demand and supply in Vietnam's EV market are growing rapidly, both in the two-wheeler and four-wheeler segments, with a surge in domestic and international players (VinFast, Hyundai, Toyota, Kia, Yadea, and BYD). Consumer preferences pave the way for success.The report delves into consumer behaviour, uncovering key preferences that shape EV purchasing decisions. Of this, younger generations are embracing electric vehicles. Early Gen Z and millennials are more likely to consider EVs, demonstrating a growing interest in sustainable and technologically advanced transportation. They often seek value. While core features like durability, performance, and comfort remain essential, buyers aged 35-44 increasingly prioritise resale value, even more so than after-sales services. Charging infrastructure is critical, widespread availability of charging stations is paramount to address consumer concerns and encourage EV adoption. Customer experience is priority, from pre-sales to post-sales and even beyond, businesses must invest in customer analytics, effective communication, knowledgeable staff, efficient service, and ongoing support (parts and services). In recent years, Vietnam's automotive industry has experienced significant growth and development. Although it started a bit later than neighbouring countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, the potential is hugely promising. Vietnam has already established itself as a key player in the automotive market. One key factor contributing to Vietnam's potential in the EV market is its growing manufacturing capabilities in the country. Some ICE and EV models are now produced domestically and exported. The emergence of EVs has presented new opportunities for the country to become a regional or even global EV powerhouse. Additionally, trade agreements between Vietnam and other countries can play a pivotal role in driving Vietnam's EV industry growth. With one of the largest networks of free trade agreements among ASEAN countries, Vietnam can gain access to cutting-edge technology, knowledge, and partnerships with other EV markets, enhancing its capabilities further. It is also key for Vietnam to create a supportive policy environment, which includes tax incentives. Vietnam's vehicle sales down 11 per cent in first four months According to a recent report from the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA), recorded sales of vehicles were down 11 per cent year-on-year to 82,515 units in the first four months of 2024. Mitsubishi Electric to establish factory for automation products Mitsubishi Electric Corporation announced that it will acquire an 80 per cent stake in Fuji Bakelite Vietnam Co., Ltd. on the outskirts of Hanoi. Electric vehicle growth to accelerate over the longer term A recent Citi Research report sees electric vehicles global volume growing modestly this year but after that, its pedal to the metal. Senior vice president Sakchai Chatchaisopon received the certificate from the event organiser on August 2. Since arriving in Vietnam in 1988 and establishing its first factory in 1993, CPV has been steadfast in its goal of developing high-tech agriculture in Vietnam. In that time, the company has gradually linked up with and supported farmers to change their farming habits, shifting from small-scale production to industrial farming. Besides this, the company has transferred closed-loop farming technology in the feed-farm-food (3F) chain model and then upgraded to 3F Plus by expanding and perfecting the traceability process as well as utilising sustainable development activities towards developing a green, circular, and digital economy. Inheriting the achievements of C.P. Group in Thailand, the application of technology such as AI and big data in all aspects has been considered a key factor in improving productivity and product quality, as well as enhancing competitiveness, safety, and reasonable prices. Along with other enterprises honoured at the event, CPV will continue to maintain and promote its strengths and contribute to the development of the agricultural sector in Vietnam. Since 2012, Vietnam Report has conducted research and published enterprise rankings across key economic sectors. In 2024, for the first time, it expanded its research to include high-tech agriculture to recognise and honour the core elements that create breakthroughs in the high-tech revolution of the sector. C.P. Vietnam carrying the torch for sustainable manufacturing enterprises C.P. Vietnam has been named among the top 100 most sustainable manufacturing companies in the country. CPV positions for global reach Foreign-invested livestock company C.P. Vietnam is eager to foster export activities, contributing to positioning the country on the global map of branded meat exports, especially poultry products. CP Binh Duong receives TPM award Following two rounds of evaluation in June and December last year, C.P. Vietnam's (CPV) Binh Duong feed factory was named in last month's TPM Excellent Awards by the Japan Institute of Plant Maintenance (JIPM) with the award being given to the company on stage at the TPM Awards in Kyoto on March 20. Vietnam has explicitly identified green growth as a critical solution for promoting economic restructuring, focusing on growth model innovation, enhanced competitive capacity, and resilience to external shocks. This directly contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions towards a carbon-neutral economy in the long run and the goal of limiting global temperature rise. Michael Piro, Co-CEO, Indochina Capital A significant turning point has been reached, with substantial changes underway. A changing landscape for sustainability is emerging as both public and private involvement increases. Vietnam has announced the target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Achieving this goal will require more regulations, legal frameworks, and incentives to facilitate the green transition, as the Vietnamese government is introducing policies and legal frameworks to help businesses achieve this target. Vietnam is now leaning towards the private sector, with over 85 per cent of Vietnams 500 fastest-growing companies having made or planning to make environmental, social, and governance commitments. This is very positive, but Vietnam is still behind the global standards. In North America or Europe, these commitments are no longer optional but mandatory for businesses to follow. Vietnam is taking the right steps with the announcement of direct power purchase agreements. This is a significant move by the Vietnamese government to incorporate green energy into the national grid, allowing the manufacturing real estate sector, a significant electricity consumer, to directly purchase clean energy. There will be five green trends in the real estate sector in the coming time. Firstly, there will be more projects that be green certified through local and international organisations that provide clear standards such as LEED, Edge, Lotus, and BCA Green Mark. Obtaining these certifications is currently an advantage for businesses, but in the future, it will become a mandatory requirement. Therefore, all industry players should familiarise themselves with these standards and guidelines and start applying them now. The second trend is that multinationals will prioritise green leases. When looking at Fortune 500 companies leading the charge, almost 70 per cent of them have set net-zero carbon targets, which affects all players in the supply chain. Therefore, they will focus on sustainable buildings and green rental spaces. Not just Apple, Samsung, and Amazon, but their entire ecosystems and supply chains will be under pressure to adopt and implement sustainable and green practices. They will prioritise buildings, manufacturers, warehouses, and IPs that have undergone green transformations. This is crucial if Vietnams industrial real estate sector wants to develop products that engage major tenants. The third aspect is the rise of the green industrial park. WHA impressed the industry with the implementation of an integrated environmental management system to monitor CO2 emissions and renewable water sources. For carbon emissions, WHA looks at energy efficiency not just within their IPs but also at the green area ratio in the future. They are tracking these metrics hourly and daily. This is a novelty now but will be a standard in the future. Deep C Haiphong is also a leader in green energy programmes as they have committed that half of the electricity used in their IPs will come from clean energy sources by 2030. They have utilised rooftop solar business models and wind power, innovating to convert tidal energy into electricity to support their IPs and manufacturing facilities. The fourth trend is the development of more green ready-built warehouse and factory markets. For example, Core5 and all its IPs have received LEED certification. Core5 has developed sustainable sites focusing on water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, location, and transportation. Their IPs feature bicycle systems for navigating around the park. Finally, in the rise of green capital and impact investing, capital will begin to prioritise green projects, which impact investments in Vietnam. The majority of Asia-Pacific real estate companies and investment funds aim to achieve net-zero by 2050, according to a CBRE survey. As a result, substantial capital will start to flow into and prioritise green projects. This is not only about protecting the environment and attracting customers, but also about enabling businesses to secure new green investments. Indochina Capital, for example, currently has eight projects either in operation or under development, with an investment of approximately $500 million. There are investment funds with millions or even billions of dollars from Asia Green Real Estate and the Green Climate Fund ready to invest in green real estate projects. This presents a tremendous opportunity for all of us to stand out and attract this green capital. VIR and Vietnam Industrial Real Estate Association sign deal Vietnam Investment Review, the press agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, and the Vietnam Industrial Real Estate Association signed a cooperation agreement at the Vietnam Industrial Property Forum 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City on July 30. Green capital flowing into industrial real estate in Vietnam With billions of US dollars poised to invest in green industrial real estate projects, Vietnam has a significant opportunity to stand out and attract these green capital flows. Healthcare groups bring expertise and innovation, illustration photo/ Source: freepik.com Following the strategic partnership with FPT Long Chau earlier this year, IHH Healthcare Singapore, Singapores largest private healthcare provider, is exploring new opportunities in Vietnam. Jeffrey Law, chief commercial officer of IHH Healthcare Singapore, said it is constantly seeking like-minded partners. It is important for us to support patients who wish to seek care in Singapore and, for those unable due to affordability or mobility, to allow them access to quality care back in Vietnam. We do not yet have an operating model in mind, but we are actively seeking opportunities to become more involved in the local market, Law said. While we are seeing rapid growth in the number of new hospitals and medical centres, the number remains small relative to the size and demand of the market. The under-penetration of health insurance also signals potential for growth, as this will likely change as the market matures. Growth in insurance penetration will open access and can catalyse growth in healthcare services, Law added. The healthcare sector remains an area of interest for Singaporean investors, spearheaded by key deals such as Thomson Medical Groups purchase of a controlling stake in FV Hospital for more than $380 million, as well as Raffles Medical Groups strategic cooperation agreement with a local investor to take over the operations of American International Hospital, valued at approximately $46 million. Besides healthcare companies, Singapore private equity firms are also eyeing Vietnamese healthcare assets. Earlier this year, Singapore-headquartered private equity firm TVM Capital Healthcare invested in the Vietnamese eye-care business Alina Vision. The investment provided growth capital to support a specialty ophthalmology hospital chain that reaches underserved Vietnamese communities. The investment aligns with TVM Capital Healthcares goal to provide more affordable and high-quality medical services, including those with a strong impact on womens health. Alina Vision provides treatment for cataracts, the most common cause of blindness among those over 50 in Vietnam, predominantly affecting women. Hoda Abou-Jamra, founding partner and managing director of TVM Capital Healthcare in Southeast Asia, said, We will continue our active involvement in the Vietnamese healthcare sector, with teams based in Ho Chi Minh City and Singapore. Our goal is to bring in expertise, fostering innovation, and ensuring high-quality services are accessible to more people. Similarly, Singapore investment firm Sweef Capital has made a strategic investment in Vietnam-based USM Healthcare to increase access to affordable medical devices and orthopaedic products. Jennifer Buckley, managing director of Singapore-based Sweef Capital, said, Were excited by what we see in Vietnam. Sweef Capital was established to support local companies in Asia-Pacific, and Vietnam is a priority market for us because of the dynamic leadership and innovation we see there. We have extensive expertise in healthcare, and it aligns well with our impact investment focus, targeting well-led businesses in industries that employ large numbers of women and deliver social benefits as well as strong financial returns. According to a report published by the National Innovation Centre and Do Ventures in April, Vietnams healthcare sector witnessed record-high investment in 2023, with on-year growth of 391 per cent, making it the most funded sector. In April, Singapores sovereign wealth fund GIC Pte doubled down on its investment in Vietnam-based pediatric and maternity clinic chain operator Nhi Dong 315. However, besides that deal, there have been few announcements in the first half of 2024. Abou-Jamra from TVM Capital Healthcare said the current dip in the number of deals is a short-term adjustment rather than a reflection of waning interest. "The fundamental attractiveness of Vietnam's healthcare market remains strong, and we expect to continue seeing steady interest from investors. The slowdown in deal activity in the first half of 2024 is part of a broader trend in Southeast Asia, largely tied to the current fundraising market, Abou-Jamra said. Additionally, the high valuations achieved in 2023 have set ambitious expectations for sellers this year, misaligned with current investor demand. This has naturally led to a temporary lull as the market adjusts. TVM Capital Healthcare expects deal activity to pick up as market conditions stabilise and valuations align more closely with investor expectations. Southeast Asia isnt immune to the economic headwinds experienced elsewhere, but we maintain considerable optimism for healthcare performance in Vietnam, said Buckley of Sweef Capital. This is driven by continued innovation to address unmet medical needs. Despite recent macroeconomic considerations, leading healthcare companies continue to allocate capital towards innovative service offerings, providing substantive improvements in Vietnam in both the public and private sectors. Singapore and Vietnam enter new phase of relations Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong, will pay an official visit to Vietnam this week. Tan See Leng, Singapores Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, writes about how both economies can bring their economic ties to greater heights. Interest rises for Singapores businesses Vietnam and Singapore have upgraded their bilateral connectivity framework agreement to include new areas, making it more favourable for businesses of both nations to intensify trade and investment ties. Singapores unemployment rate increases The number of retrenchments and unemployed residents in Singapore rose in the third quarter of 2023 as a weaker economic outlook dragged down sectors such as wholesale trade, according to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM)'s statistics. Abundant potential for Vietnam-Singapore relations Vietnam and Singapore have been working closely to strengthen bilateral ties in the green and digital economy. Gan Kim Yong, Singapore Minister for Trade and Industry, spoke with VIRs Minh Anh on the sidelines of the Singapore Week of Technology and Innovation 2023, about the next steps for bilateral relations. Singaporean investors increasingly drawn to Vietnam Thanks to the open economic landscape and enormous growth potential in various sectors, Vietnam has always been on the list of favourable destinations for Singaporean investors, who have consistently been among the leaders in terms of foreign capital inflows into the country. Hardy Diec, chief operating officer KCN Vietnam At KCN Vietnam, we have identified investor satisfaction as the focal point of all our actions and plans. Furthermore, we continuously study customer needs to develop various new product types. Currently, ready-built factories (RBFs) and warehouses with high-finished specs still play a key role in attracting manufacturers and investors. However, the green factor will provide competitive edges for developers: the demands for sustainable facilities (with green building certifications, renewable energy, minimal to zero carbon, and waste emission) will increase, driven by increasing environmentally conscious tenants, investor preferences and government regulations. In the future, the demand for specialised facilities of industrial property types will continue to grow, such as bonded warehouse, cold storage, and many others. Other significant trends include technology integration, automated systems with Internet of Things-enabled monitoring, and data-driven analytics, and eco compound with value-added services including comprehensive facility management, logistics support, workforce training, and even amenities like housing, retail, and recreation. KCN Vietnam is diversifying and becoming more flexible in its product offerings. In addition to traditional ready-built products, we will continue developing new concepts to meet emerging investor demands, such as bonded warehouses, service compounds, and small-size RBFs. Furthermore, we recognise the importance of providing comprehensive, all-in-one consultancy services and adopting green strategies from the early stages of development. We endeavour to have LEED or other sustainable certifications for future projects, continue to implement solar roofing projects, and increase activities to support local communities. For example, last week we broke ground on phase two of an RBF and warehouse at DEEP C Industrial Zone in Haiphong, according to LEED standards. Standardising projects to meet green certification standards presents challenges in terms of resources and the readiness of skilled professionals, etc. However, we strongly believe the long-term environmental, economic, and welfare benefits it brings to our employees, customers, community, and the nation far outweigh those short-term difficulties. Paul Tonkes, industrial deputy director Indochina Kajima Development The owner of Core5 Haiphong, we provide one of the best-in-class ready-built factories for rent in prime locations in the north, and pay attention to the impact of the commercial barriers on our tenants in IPs and their demand on factories. We see that developing green factories is a mandatory trend to attract foreign investors and simultaneously match Vietnams commitment to greenhouse gas emission mitigation. We also aim for greening and sustainable development, a commitment that is demonstrated in the implementation of Core5 projects. All Core5 factories are designed in a green and sustainable direction, and customers choose our factories because of their green nature. Developing green factories is also a way to enhance the competition capacity in the race to engage foreign direction investment capital. At Core5 in Haiphong, we also attract investors that specialise in the upstream semiconductor production chain. Without this stage, we cannot produce circuit boards. This indicates that we have a good connection if we have green workshop designs for customers. It also shows that Vietnam is not only a place to produce mass products, but also has the potential to become a hub for manufacturing upstream equipment and tools. However, to seize this opportunity, we need to focus on developing human resources and infrastructure. Pham Hong Diep, chairman, Shinec At the end of April, Shinec, the investor of Nam Cau Kien Industrial Park (IP), published an environmental, social, and governance (ESG) report for its IP, making it the first IP in Vietnam to have such a report. I spent nine months implementing and completing the report. This process also required several revisions, retraining, and added investment of automatic monitoring equipment. This report must be assessed periodically every year, so while it is very complicated and costly, but it is an important piece of work for the process to building circular IPs. ESG standards are considered a tool to help assess the level of sustainable development practices of enterprises, describing aspects including environment, society and governance. Shinec has integrated ESG into its short-term and long-term business strategy. This report plays an important role in providing an overview of the effectiveness of specific indicators and goals set by the enterprise, thereby contributing to building a more sustainable environment. The criteria relating to ESG are similar to the demand of a series of investors. For businesses and investors exporting goods abroad with high green content, eco-IPs with ESG certification will make investors speed up their decision. Investors seek Nam Cau Kien IP to invest in the production of high-class products, which is in line with the states policies and the spirit of rules on prescribing the management of IPs and economic zones. We aim to develop 3,500ha of IPs and industrial cluster project land by 2030, integrating sustainable criteria according to ESG orientation, and will apply this to all IPs and clusters we are involved in. Truong Anh Hai, vice president for Environment, Health, Safety, and Community NS BlueScope Vietnam The concept of sustainability is not new, as the discussion on this topic has been around for over a decade. Recently, there has been much focus on ESG. So, how can businesses integrate ESG requirements effectively into their systems? ESG factors are broad and comprehensive, so businesses may not have the resources or knowledge to immediately integrate all criteria. Experience from over 20 years of NS BlueScopes ESG planning indicates that requirements should be incorporated from the outset when establishing a factory or IP. At NS BlueScope, sustainable development has been addressed from the initial requirements, starting with policies concerning employees. Two years ago, we decided to adopt a more structured approach, specifically an ESG criteria set for the steel industry. Since each industry has its own specific characteristics leading to different requirements, a universal set of criteria cannot be applied to all sectors. By early 2024, the company was certified with ResponsibleSteel site certification based on 12 criteria related to environmental, social, and governance aspects. Given that the criteria include 370 standards, businesses need to apply these criteria within their processes so that every employee, from operations to management, understands their contribution to sustainable development. Additionally, applying stringent ESG standards helps eliminate barriers between departments, requiring all departments, from production to human resources and management, to engage in the implementation and realisation of the criteria. Finally, it is crucial to ensure that employees understand that sustainable development is a worthwhile and correct pursuit, encouraging them to collaborate with the company to make sustainable development plans a reality. Recently, the EU introduced the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism to manage the carbon emissions of products exported to this market. In Vietnam, some of NS BlueScopes customers have started to pay attention to issues such as environmental product declarations. Tran Nhat Ninh, deputy general director of Engineering, Tien Phong Plastic In recent years, the concepts of green production and sustainable development have become strategic goals for businesses worldwide. We believe that long-term development requires creating sustainable, recyclable, and environmentally friendly products. This is not only a social responsibility but also a crucial factor for our future existence and growth. Our long-term strategy focuses on producing socially responsible products. We have heavily invested in renewable energy production technology. This reduces environmental impact and optimises production costs, providing economic benefits to the business. We aim to achieve carbon neutrality in our production, with the ultimate goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions. This commitment not only meets the stringent requirements of IPs but also demonstrates Tien Phong Plastics dedication to sustainable development. Achieving this goal requires cooperation and effort from all stakeholders, including the government, businesses, and the community. Green production and sustainable development are not just trends but urgent tasks we must address. We are committed to continuous innovation and improvement in technology and production processes to minimise environmental impact. We believe that with relentless effort, we can build a green and sustainable future for future generations. The company understands that the journey towards sustainable development is long and challenging. However, with determination and strong commitment, we will achieve its goals and become a pioneer in green production in Vietnam. Ten years ago, when we started collaborating with partners from Australia and New Zealand, the pressure to adopt green practices became mandatory. These partners required us to comply with environmental, social, and governance standards for export. This pushed us to innovate and implement green production methods from the outset. We recognise that green production and sustainable environmental development are not solely our responsibility but require collaboration from multiple sides, especially businesses within an eco-IP. From the design and construction stages, we ensured green standards to create a nature-friendly and sustainable production environment. Collaboration among businesses within an IP is crucial. We cannot achieve our greening goals alone, we need support and cooperation from partners, other businesses, and IP investors. This collaboration not only helps us achieve environmental goals but also enhances business efficiency, creating mutual benefits for all parties. Truong An Duong, general manager of North Vietnam and Residential Frasers Property Vietnam In the past few years, about 60-70 per cent of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Vietnam has been focused on manufacturing sectors, which has helped bolster the demand for IPs, as well as for accompanying utilities for manufacturing sectors. In addition, Vietnam has eyed a robust growth in infrastructure investment and development in recent years. Infrastructure investment includes not only roads and seaports, but also airports and energy networks. These factors help ramp up Vietnams appeal in investment and production practices on the global scale. Moving forward, the Vietnamese government, sectors, departments, and localities have done very well in foreign investment promotion. Vietnam is probably one of the countries with the largest number of foreign investment promotion delegations in the world. Along with that, free trade agreements, either under negotiation or are underway, are factors that help increase Vietnams competitiveness, especially in the context the global trade incurs broken chains driven by the worlds powers. These potentials Vietnam can exploit very well. However, in the global production chains, we will need to compete with many other countries. For example, in Southeast Asia, the country has to compete with Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Each country has different competitive strengths. In recent years, we have witnessed new-generation FDI waves and high-tech FDI moving into Vietnam in diverse fields of electronics, semiconductors, auto manufacturing, and renewable energy. The governments of many other regional countries also present policies to entice investment in these industries. For example, Thailand has strengths in car manufacturing, with accompanying supply chains and value chains that have been developing over the past 30-40 years; or in terms of semiconductor foundations, Malaysia has also done very well over the past 20-30 years. Ben Ding Khoon Yew, general director Soilbuild International (Vietnam) Despite being a new player in the Vietnamese market, Soilbuild has been an integrated real estate and construction company for nearly 50 years in Singapore, and is also present in in Myanmar, the United Kingdom, and Australia with a portfolio of industrial, commercial and residential buildings. Numerous Soilbuild buildings have achieved various standards of Green Mark and LEED Platinum status in that time, and we have won the bidding for numerous key projects thanks to green factors. With the progression of technologies, the latest Green Mark Platinum building, the Tai Seng Exchange in Singapore has integrated technologies into the design, such as wind simulation to optimise ventilation, sensors, lift destination control system, and new generation building management system. Soilbuild obtained a green loan for the building. Continuing its sustainability journey, Soilbuild is pushing even higher limits with the next building in Tampines Singapore to obtain Green Mark Platinum SLE, which requires more than 60 per cent energy savings. The ultimate goal will be net-zero and positive energy buildings. Coming from Singapore, we have benefited from the adoption of technologies. Through the years, we have been pushing the boundary of our sustainability journey to not only reduce overall energy consumption and emissions but also secure a more sustainable future and resilient urban landscape for future generations. We are committed to promoting sustainable development in Vietnam, and our first project of the ready-built factory in Nghe An is being built to LEED certification standard. Soilbuild is an early adopter of sustainability. Our approach to integrating environmental, social, and governmental policies into its building design emphasises multiplying the green to ensure that sustainability is embedded at every stage of the assets life cycle. We appreciate Vietnam making significant strides in industrial sustainable development, focusing on various sectors such as energy, environment, and social development. We see that Vietnam is considering a carbon tax, which is also a good sign. Vietnams greening roadmap is very encouraging, which helps businesses develop responsibly. The event aims to bring together key players, innovators, and stakeholders from across the globe under the theme "Green Logistics - the Foundation for Sustainable Development". Companies expected to be involved include JGL Worldwide, from Singapore, DHL from Germany, and Vietnam's ITL and SLP. VILOG 2024 is set to surpass its previous success with an even larger and more diverse demonstration. In 2023, the event welcomed nearly 25,000 visitors, reflecting its growing prominence in the global logistics arena. The 2024 edition will feature over 400 booths from more than 300 exhibitors representing 20 countries and territories, highlighting its expansive international reach. The main sectors of the exhibition include transport and forwarding, warehouses and cold chain, material handling, logistics IT and applications, industrial zone and port infrastructure, offering a comprehensive view of the latest advancements and innovations across these critical areas of the logistics industry. This event is poised to be a significant hub for industry professionals seeking to explore cutting-edge solutions and forge valuable business connections. Specifically, the transport and forwarding industry promises to be a focal point of the event, attracting a diverse range of approximately 100 exhibitors. This bustling sector will present names such as THACO Industries, Vina Dowell, and ACT Logistics from Vietnam, Transit from Russia, and Nippon Express and Isuzu from Japan, each showcasing their expertise with expansive booths. Also involved will be Orange Logistics Organisation, WIFFA, and Breakbulk Club, all networking organisations and e-commerce platforms from China. Noteworthy exhibitors also include ACE Global Logistics from Australia, Chicago Rockford International Airport from the US, Chapman Freeborn Airchartering from Singapore, Translog from Spain, and GOSONIC from Hong Kong, demonstrating a wide series of innovative solutions in air, sea, and land logistics. The warehouse and cold chain sector will be a standout, focusing on a diverse range of exhibitors showcasing the latest in warehouse and cold chain technology, equipment, and solutions. This sector will include exhibitors such as Tan Phuong Phat, Hoa Phat Shipping, and Nhat Lo Phat 168 from Vietnam, as well as China's Niuli Machinery, and the Taiwan Cold Chain Association. The event also features key ports and logistics hubs that are crucial to Vietnam's growing trade and transportation sector such as Long An International Port in the Mekong Delta region, Binh Duong Newport, Oknha Mong Port, Saigon Newport, Tan Cang Warehousing Depot, and more besides. Elsewhere, the logistics IT sector will showcase the latest technological advancements revolutionising the industry. This sector will introduce high-tech solutions and innovations from companies across the globe, with notable participation from Vietnam, the United States, Dubai, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. The event will also offer a series of expert-led conferences that look into the critical theme of green logistics, designed to facilitate a deeper understanding and promote actionable strategies for sustainable practices within the logistics industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a range of seminars, panel discussions, and workshops, each led by industry leaders and experts. Besides the seminars, attendees will have the unique opportunity to join a port tour to Long An International Port, offering an on-the-ground perspective of advanced port operations and logistics infrastructure. Additionally, an industrial park tour to COBI Logis Warehouse will showcase state-of-the-art warehouse management systems and sustainable logistics solutions in action. Additionally, VILOG 2024 will feature a comprehensive business-to-business matchmaking initiative, designed to facilitate meaningful connections and maximise benefits for participants. Participants can expect to forge valuable partnerships, explore new markets, and enhance their industry presence through this meticulously organised and highly beneficial programme. The event is being co-organised by the Vietnam Logistics Business Association and Vinexad Company with the active support of the Agency of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and is expected to welcome 25,000 visitors over the course of three days. Logistics firms take alternative steps While logistics businesses in Vietnam are taking action to respond to Red Sea tensions, the situation may drag on for some time. Coastal IZs provide ideal base for logistics firms Lach Huyen International Port is the largest deepwater seaport in northern Vietnam, capable of receiving ships with a capacity of up to 14,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Efficiencies building with enhancements in e-logistics Further enhancements and upgrades in e-logistics are being geared up throughout the country. On July 31, Vietnam's efforts in pursuing its semiconductor aspirations were highlighted as industry experts gathered at a seminar on building the semiconductor industry ecosystem at Hanoi University of Science and Technology. At the gathering, experts concurred that the upcoming three years are critical for Vietnams semiconductor ecosystem to make significant strides. Although Vietnam has entered the ecosystem, it has only contributed human resources, not the entire market, said Nguyen Thanh Yen, CEO of semiconductor design services provider CoAsia Semi. Vietnam has successfully attracted many major semiconductor corporations over the years, not because it is a potential commercial market, but because these tech giants choose to invest and expand here. Samsung, Intel, Hana, and Micron come to Vietnam primarily to leverage its workforce. Yen added that the industry could face a shortage of about half a million chip engineers by 2030, presenting a unique opportunity for Vietnam to excel in the semiconductor landscape. According to Chu Duc Trinh, rector of the University of Engineering and Technology at Vietnam National University Hanoi, while human resources are Vietnam's key attraction for leading global corporations, the time to capitalise on this advantage is running out. The next few years are Vietnams last chance. With signs of an ageing population, if Vietnam doesnt seize this opportunity, it will grow old before it grows rich, he stated. Despite the opportunities, Trinh pointed out that Vietnam's suppliers are not keeping pace with their foreign counterparts. To build a strong semiconductor ecosystem, Vietnam still needs to attract foreign-invested enterprises but must also have strategies to foster the development of Vietnamese enterprises, Trinh said. When I work with large foreign corporations, they express a desire to find local suppliers to collaborate with, but Vietnam currently lacks suppliers that can meet their standards. Yen of CoAsia Semi echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Vietnamese graduates often lack a comprehensive understanding of their jobs, indicating that academic programmes are not aligned with industry needs. If students only learn theoretical knowledge and only receive practical training when they start working, it is too late. Educational institutions need to equip students early with both professional skills and soft skills, along with work culture, Yen said. The experts believe that to enhance the workforce's capabilities, universities need to incorporate practical knowledge from enterprises into their curricula, allowing students to gain industrial-scale production experience before graduation. Additionally, Vietnam needs to pay special attention to small- and medium-sized domestic enterprises. Without nurturing and having good policies for these businesses, developing the entire ecosystem will be challenging. The reason why Taiwan and South Korea have developed into semiconductor hubs today is due to substantial government support, which played a crucial role. The governments of these markets did not view investment as a means to seek profit but looked at the development of the entire semiconductor ecosystem, Trinh added. Taiwan aims to become AI-island based on semiconductor industry Taiwan, which has been known as a powerhouse in the global semiconductor industry, is now setting AI into motion to further strengthen its economic capability in the global supply chain. Hanoi eyes semiconductor industry growth with new strategic initiatives Experts have emphasised Hanoi's potential to become a key player in the semiconductor industry, leveraging new legal frameworks and strategic investments to attract global tech companies and foster local innovation. Sous chef Fernando Villasmil makes a hand roll at Kira Karen Warren/Staff photographer Japanese restaurants specializing in hand rolls can be found around Houston. But none are quite like Kira, which is slated to open Aug. 6 in Upper Kirby. The team members behind Neo, one of the citys most exclusive omakase restaurants, have created a casual-yet-refined space. Most of the 15 seats at the L-shape bar will be by reservation only, but a few spots will be available for walk-ins. Customers may be seated in luxurious Italian leather chairs, but American rock music is included on the playlist. Kira is putting a fresh twist on hand rolls. The chefs are still using top-notch ingredients while drawing on elements of trendy Japanese listening bars to create an experience thats comfortable, but theres elements of showmanship, said Jeremy Truong, a managing partner of Comma Hospitality. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Here's what to know about Kira, which is located at Arrive River Oaks (2800 Kirby, Suite 128B) and open 5-10 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. What is a Japanese listening bar? Vinyl records and the McIntosh record player at Kira Karen Warren/Staff photographer Kira is not a traditional Japanese listening bar at least not the kind that started in 1950s Japan, where people would hang out in cafe-like spaces to listen to vinyl, or todays trendy ones popping up in U.S. cities with massive sound systems. At the end of the day, its a restaurant, Truong said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But music still plays a big part in the experience at Kira. Theres a McIntosh record player that will draw from a vinyl collection that spans Japanese pop to American hip-hop. Eventually, Truong said, they may take customer requests for songs; guest DJ nights are forthcoming. HOUSTON EATS: The Chronicles top 100 restaurants On the menu The Masu and Ikurn donburi at Kira Karen Warren/Staff photographer Currently, five hand rolls are featured on the menu, with ingredients such as fatty tuna, shrimp and scallops tucked inside crisp seaweed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Four more options include upgrades with uni, caviar, truffle and lobster. Other raw seafood preparations include some cuts of sashimi as well as two crudo dishes, one featuring scallops and another tuna. Donburi bowls include a variety of recipes that call for raw fish or wagyu complemented by ingredients such as egg yolks, ikura, uni and pickled ramps. For dessert? Two seasonal kakigori options, which will eventually use ice sourced from Japan for the shaved ice dessert. Cocktails, champagne and high balls The Reckoner cocktail with nori-infused sochi, miso-infused blanc vermouth, cucumber and lemon and ancho reyes at Kira Karen Warren/Staff photographer Kiras beverage director Aaron Lara will oversee a menu that includes champagne, sake and wines. Theres also a Suntory machine for high-ball drinks. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Marc Rodriguez, whos currently the general manager of Little Rascal in New York City and spent five years at Michelin-starred Atomix, consulted on the cocktails. His recipes include the 15 Step, which calls for applewood bacon-washed tequila mixed with ingredients like yuzu and cucumber. MORE FROM BAO ONG: Houston Restaurant Weeks begins soon. Here's where Chronicle critics recommend dining Attention to detail Vintage cups are sourced from Japan and Italian-leather chairs line the bar at Kira. The cocoon-like space is designed to be tranquil, with dark gray accoya wood and a bar, made from American ash sourced in Pennsylvania, as its focal point. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Each of the 15 seats are Italian leather chairs that have a modern style. Staffers all wear sleek uniforms with three-quarter sleeves designed by Glass Cypress, which is owned by some of the partners of the restaurant. A handful of the chefs and partners also traveled to Japan for multiple research trips, where they sourced items such as vintage cups and a hinoki cutting board. A wooden tray with 25 different new and vintage glasses will be presented to each customer. An introduction to Comma Hospitality Chef Mark Wong, far left, is heading up Kira from Comma Hospitality. Neo started as a rogue pop-up during the pandemic before establishing itself in Montrose. Located within the menswear showroom of Glass Cypress, it quickly became one the most in-demand omakase counters in Houston. The Reckoner cocktail, with Nori-infused Sochi, miso-infused blanc vermouth, cucumber and lemon and ancho reyes at Kira on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer The bar at Kira on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Head chef Mark Wong at Kira on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Leather chairs line the bar at Kira on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer The sake tray with glasses on display at Kira on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Sous chef Fernando Villasmil, left, Chef partner Luis Mercado, middle, and head chef Mark Wong, right, at Kira on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Kira matches in a bowl at Kira on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Sous chef Fernando Villasmil, left, with Chef partner Luis Mercado, right, at Kira on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Jeremy Truing, chief operating officer, wearing the staff uniform at Kira on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer The sake tray with glasses on display at Kira on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Fernando Villasmil, sous chef, pulling rice out of a pot in the countertop at Kira on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer The sake tray with glasses on display at Kira on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer The opening of Kira is also an introduction to Comma Hospitality, which includes Truong and chef-partners Luis Mercado and Paolo Justo. Chef Mark Wong is overseeing the day-to-day operations at Kira. Since the launch of the $1 billion Vietnam Logistics Development Fund in 2022, how has SLP allocated this so far to facilitate the expansion of the Vietnamese market? Edwin Chee, chief operating officer of SLP Vietnam Since the inception of the Vietnam Logistics Development Fund, SLP has strategically allocated the fund to key infrastructure projects across the country. We have invested in the development of modern industrial and logistics facilities in strategic locations such as Bac Ninh, Haiphong, Long An, Vinh Long, and upcoming projects in Hung Yen and Dong Nai. These investments have enabled us to build state-of-the-art warehouses and factories, which are crucial for enhancing Vietnams logistics and operational capabilities and attracting global investors. Additionally, a significant portion of the fund has been dedicated to adopting advanced features and technologies to optimise our operations and improve tenant satisfaction. What are the opportunities and competition in Vietnams industrial property market amidst the restructuring of the global supply chain? Vietnams industrial property market is brimming with opportunities as companies seek to diversify their supply chains. The countrys strategic location, favourable trade agreements, and competitive labour costs make it an attractive destination for investment. However, this has also heightened competition among industrial property developers. To stand out, SLP leverages deep industry knowledge, global best practices and know-how and financial strength to offer customised solutions that cater to the unique needs of our tenants, thereby attracting and retaining high-quality clients. Vietnam is striving to lure a high level of foreign investment, especially in semiconductors, electronics, and electrical vehicles. What are your recommendations for Vietnam to improve its industrial property policies to attract these investors? To attract high levels of foreign investment in specialised sectors like semiconductors, electronics, and electric cars, Vietnam needs to develop more specialised industrial parks (IPs) and high-tech zones. This can be achieved by offering attractive incentives, streamlining administrative procedures, and ensuring robust infrastructure support. Additionally, fostering a skilled workforce through targeted education and training programmes will be essential. SLP is committed to supporting these initiatives by developing facilities that meet the specific needs of these high-tech industries. Industrial property developers have stepped up their merger and acquisition (M&A) strategies. What is SLP doing in this area to secure a stronger footprint in the country? SLPs M&A strategy is focused on acquiring high-quality assets and well-located land plots that align with our growth objectives. We aim to identify and acquire properties that offer significant value-added potential through redevelopment or strategic enhancements. By integrating these assets into our existing portfolio, we can leverage our operational expertise to maximise returns. We also seek partnerships with local developers to tap into their market knowledge and expedite our expansion plans. In general, the M&A landscape in Vietnams industrial property market looks promising for 2024. As the market matures, we expect to see increased consolidation, with developers seeking to enhance their portfolios through strategic acquisitions. Rising competition and the need for modern, efficient industrial and logistics facilities will drive M&A activity. SLP is well positioned to capitalise on these opportunities, leveraging our strong financial backing and market expertise. Many industrial developers have accelerated the adoption of AI, automation, and robots to reduce operation costs. Have you observed the effective utilisation of these technologies by industrial property developers in Vietnam? Yes, the adoption of this technology is gradually gaining traction among industrial property developers in Vietnam, although at a slower pace compared to more mature markets. The primary barriers include a lack of infrastructure, technical know-how, and necessary skills. However, notable advancements are being made. At SLP, we are at the forefront of this technological integration. We have installed smart gates in our industrial and logistics parks, which are not just about security; theyre about harnessing data to make operations more efficient, cost-effective, and resilient. These smart gates are a key part of the digital transformation revolutionising facilities management. While overall adoption in Vietnam is still catching up, this gives us room to innovate and plan for more extensive technological implementation in the future. Vietnam is looking to develop more specialised industrial and high-tech zones Could you share the top criteria for industrial property developers to build sustainable warehouses and eco-IPs encompassing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices? The top criteria for building sustainable warehouses and eco-IPs include energy efficiency, waste reduction, and water conservation. Developers should prioritise the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, and implement green building materials and designs that minimise environmental impact. Integrating smart technologies to monitor and manage resource consumption is also crucial. Additionally, fostering a culture of sustainability among tenants and stakeholders through education and collaboration is essential for long-term success. Vietnamese businesses can learn the importance of integrating ESG principles into their core operations. By prioritising sustainability, companies can enhance their competitiveness and appeal to environmentally conscious investors and customers. SLPs approach of incorporating energy-efficient designs, using renewable resources, and fostering a sustainable work environment can serve as a model. Additionally, transparent reporting and continuous improvement in ESG practices are vital for long-term success. For example, SLP Park Long Hau, located in Long Hau 3 Industrial Park in Long An province, is a prime example of our commitment to sustainability and has received LEED certification. The complex incorporates several high-efficiency features, including LED lighting and VFD pumps, to reduce energy consumption. Solar panels have been installed, further enhancing the parks renewable energy capacity. The parks design includes wall and roof insulation, smart irrigation systems, and drought-tolerant landscaping to minimise water usage. Additionally, we have implemented advanced building systems commissioning and sub-metering for different water systems to monitor and optimise resource use. These sustainable initiatives reduce the parks environmental footprint and provide significant cost savings for our tenants, demonstrating the tangible benefits of sustainable development. By utilising industry knowledge and financial strength, how does SLP differentiate itself from other players to entice tenants? SLP differentiates itself by offering a combination of high-quality infrastructure with multiple location solutions in prime areas, advanced technological integration, and flexible leasing options. Our facilities are designed to meet the highest international standards, ensuring operational efficiency and sustainability. We also provide value-added services through our one-stop service station model to assist investors and tenants with investment procedures, facilities operation, and maintenance. Our robust financial backing allows us to invest in continuous improvements and expansion, thereby ensuring that we remain a step ahead of our competitors. Spanning 8 hectares, the new facility is set to become a cornerstone of PepsiCo's operations in Vietnam, with an annual production capacity of over 20,000 tonnes of snacks. Groundbreaking ceremony of PepsiCo Foods Vietnam plant in Ha Nam The new plant represents PepsiCo Foods Vietnam's strategic expansion to meet increasing consumer demand and strengthen its market presence. This milestone in its growth in Vietnam is expected to significantly contribute to the country's development. PepsiCo Foods Vietnam aims to help Vietnamese farmers adopt sustainable practices through its PepsiCo Positive strategy, targeting 100 per cent sustainable sourcing and promoting regenerative agriculture by 2030. "This investment is a testament to our confidence in Vietnam's dynamic economy and its people," said Nguyen Viet Ha, general manager of PepsiCo Foods Vietnam. "As we celebrate 30 years in Vietnam, we're not just building a factory but reinforcing our commitment to sustainable growth, community development, and innovation." The Ha Nam plant exemplifies PepsiCo's proactive approach to sustainability. Utilising biomass and solar power, the facility aims to minimise its environmental impact, including implementing rooftop solar panels and biomass systems to generate electricity from local agricultural waste. The new plant is anticipated to serve as a driving force for community development, extending beyond its economic and social impact. It is projected to create numerous job opportunities in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, packaging, and agriculture, thereby boosting the local economy. Once operational, the plant would generate over 1,000 jobs in direct and indirect employment. Additionally, PepsiCo Foods Vietnam will introduce a comprehensive programme to equip Ha Nam's youth with essential soft skills for contemporary industrial environments in collaboration with Ha Nam Department of Labour, Invalids & Social Affairs. This initiative, funded by the PepsiCo Foundation, will provide training in vital areas such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and digital literacy. PepsiCo Foods Vietnam is partnering with Ha Nam Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, local agriculture cooperatives and farmers to implement regenerative agricultural practices, enhancing soil health, reducing carbon emissions, and maximising crop yields. This initiative underscores PepsiCo Foods Vietnam's leadership in promoting sustainability and community development in Ha Nam and beyond. Speaking at the ceremony to congratulate PepsiCo on the event, Truong Quoc Huy, Chairman of Ha Nam People's Committee said, "The groundbreaking ceremony of the new factory of PepsiCo Foods Vietnam in Ha Nam will help the province gradually actualise its goal of becoming a modern industrial province by 2025 through a modern and sustainable factory using renewable energy, improving the quality of labour in the area." At the same time, the province also wants to effectively utilise favourable conditions in terms of climate and land for growing clean agricultural crops, developing high-tech agriculture, and bringing great economic efficiency. "We are ready to fully support the enterprise so that the construction of the factory, the development of industrial economy, agriculture and assisting services will be favourable, bringing benefits to the enterprise, Ha Nam province and Vietnam," Huy added. "Our vision for this plant goes beyond production capacity. "It's about creating a sustainable ecosystem that benefits our consumers, partners, and the environment. We aim to cultivate a better community of shared values and sustainability leadership." PepsiCo gains permission to build food factory in Ha Nam The Peoples Committee of Ha Nam province on December 20 handed over an investment registration certificate to a PepsiCo food production project of the PepsiCo Vietnam Foods Company Limited to invest in Dong Van I industrial park in Duy Tien commune. PepsiCo commits $400 million to build new factories in Ha Nam and Long An American food and beverage company PepsiCo Inc will inject an additional $400 million into the construction of two new plants in Vietnam. Suntory Pepsico begins construction of $300 million plant in Long An Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam commenced construction of its sixth plant on April 8. The new plant is located in Huu Thanh Industrial Zone, Duc Hoa district, Long An province. A rooftop solar farm installed by Sembcorp in VSIP Binh Duong in the southern province of Binh Duong In mid-July, Singapore-headquartered Levanta Renewables, backed by Actis, announced that it is acquiring a 28.7MWp rooftop solar system from related companies of Tien Nga JSC, a major logistics provider in Vietnam. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025. Located in the southern province of Dong Nai, the system is one of the largest single-site rooftop solar installations in the country, spanning nearly 200,000sq.m of rooftop surface. The project is expected to generate over 34GWh per year, supplying green energy to Vietnam Electricity under long-term power purchase agreements. Rahul Agrawal, head of Energy for Southeast Asia at sustainable infrastructure investor Actis, said, The acquisition of this rooftop solar portfolio marks another step forward for Levanta Renewables in its ambition to build out 1.5GW. Not only is Levanta accelerating the energy transition in Vietnam, but it is doing so by supplying clean, reliable, and cost-competitive energy to commercial and industrial customers, powering the countrys economic growth. In June, Singapores Sembcorp Industries announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Sembcorp Solar Vietnam, completed the acquisition of majority interests in three out of four subsidiaries of Gelex Group. With the completion of these three transactions, Sembcorp has added a combined 196MW of operational wind and solar assets to its portfolio. Additionally, Sembcorp will acquire a 73 per cent stake in a fourth subsidiary of Gelex Group, expected in the second half of 2024, which owns a 49MW hydropower asset. Upon completion of the four acquisitions, Sembcorps gross renewable energy capacity in Vietnam will be 455MW, while the groups total gross renewable energy capacity will reach 14.4GW. Elsewhere, Singaporean company Great Master received approval to acquire a 20 per cent stake in Trung Khoi JSC, an industrial park developer in the central province of Quang Tri, in July. Meanwhile, Singapore-based Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific LNG has acquired a 49 per cent stake in Cai Mep liquefied natural gas terminal, located in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province in the south. Seck Yee Chung, partner at Baker McKenzie Vietnam told VIR, Foreign investors continue to be key drivers of Vietnams merger and acquisition (M&A) market, which is primarily driven by strong interest in Vietnam as a growth market. Singapore remains one of the most active players in Vietnams M&A landscape. According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment, Singapore ranked third (behind South Korea and China) among foreign investors in the first half of 2024, with 142 M&A deals worth about $349 million. Although Singaporean investors main focus in Vietnam for the first half of 2024 was on new ventures, we remain confident that investors from Singapore will continue to bolster their portfolios by securing new strategic deals in Vietnam as an emerging Southeast Asian market, Chung said. With Vietnams ageing population and rising middle-class increasing the demand for healthcare services, the trend of substantial deals in the healthcare sector will likely continue. Similarly, the real estate and construction sector is attractive due to Vietnams newly updated legal framework and the relocation of many production facilities. With increased production in Vietnam, the demand for industrial and manufacturing real estate is robust. This is exemplified by the agreements between Keppel Corporation Ltd. and Keppel Vietnam Fund to acquire a 49 per cent interest in two adjacent residential projects in Thu Duc city of Ho Chi Minh City from Khang Dien Group for an aggregate consideration of approximately $138 million. Another potential sector is energy and infrastructure, driven by Vietnams strong commitment to transitioning to renewable energy, its pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and the introduction of the Power Development Plan VIII, Chung added. Eric Johnson, partner at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, highlighted the factors driving Singapore M&A deals. Singapore has been a key source of foreign investment throughout emerging markets in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. Key Singaporean investors include Singapores sovereign wealth funds, major real estate and energy companies, and Singapore-based venture capital funds, Johnson said. Due to Singapores status as a regional financial centre and the efficiency of Singapores common law legal system and treaty network, many non-Singaporean companies from the US, Europe, and Japan, as well as global private equity funds, invest in Vietnam via Singaporean subsidiaries or special purpose vehicles, according to Johnson. Weve also seen emerging tech companies in Vietnam that need to raise capital setting up Singapore parent companies to facilitate efficient offshore fundraising from their venture capital backers, Johnson said. The Vietnamese legal system cannot easily accommodate many of the basic investment structures commonly used in venture capital, such as convertible notes and simple agreements for future equity in other markets, and even preferred equity investments in Vietnam involve unnecessary legal uncertainty and burdensome procedures. As a result, many venture capitalists currently prefer not to invest directly into Vietnamese companies. Four Singaporean groups receive investment licences in Binh Duong Binh Duong People's Committee has granted investment certificates to four Singaporean enterprises with the total investment capital of nearly $182 million. Singaporean investors prioritise HCM City in expansion plans Many Singaporean businesses and investors have given priority to Ho Chi Minh City in their operational expansion plans, especially in the fields of finance, trade and high technology. TNG is one of many efficiently-run businesses in Thai Nguyen, Photo Dung Minh The northern provinces economy expanded 6.03 per cent in the first six months of 2024, compared to 5.17 per cent in the same period of 2023, ranking fifth out of 14 localities in the northern midlands and mountainous region. Notably, Q2 marked a positive rebound with regional GDP surging 6.8 per cent on-year compared to 5.15 per cent hike in Q1. Several highlights in H1s development in the province include gross industrial production, which surpassed $17.6 billion, up 6.21 per cent on-year. The prospering industry was reflected in the index of industrial production, which expanded 6.97 per cent during the period, in which the processing and manufacturing sector growth surpassed 7 per cent. A major contribution to the provinces gross industrial production came from foreign-invested enterprises, which amounted to $16.4 billion, surging 6.7 per cent, while Vietnamese businesses pooled in $817 million, up 6.62 per cent on-year. Alongside industry, the production value of the agro-forestry-fisheries sector came to $350 million, up 3.75 per cent on-year. The trade and services sector also eyed fair growth. Of note, the scale of export continues to unfold. Accordingly, in H1, the provinces total export value climbed to $15.4 billion, showing a 19.2 per cent jump, equal to just over half of the full-year projection. With such figure, Thai Nguyen is one of six localities nationwide scoring export value surpassing $10 billion mark. Generally, the provinces total export and import value exceeded $24.2 billion in H1, up 18.2 per cent on-year, compared to a 25 per cent contraction in H1 of 2023. Kim Daesu, representative director of KSD Vina Co., Ltd., one of the first supporting industry businesses for Samsung in Thai Nguyen, revealed that each month, the company exports more than two million electronic components to South Korea, the US, and India. During operations, we have received maximum support from Thai Nguyens management and local agencies, especially from the provincial customs agency. With the e-customs clearance system in place, almost all import and export procedures are now carried out at the company site. When any changes occur, we are quickly informed through email, helping to save on time and costs, ensuring our stable production, said Kim. In respect to investment attraction, in H1 Thai Nguyen granted new investment certificates to 11 foreign-led projects valued nearly $488 million, and 12 existing projects sought capital addition with a total supplemental value reaching $63.4 million. Cumulatively, the province is currently home to 220 foreign-invested projects valued at $11.26 billion, firmly securing a spot in the Top 10 localities countrywide in foreign investment attraction. To strengthen investment attraction efficiency, Thai Nguyen has constantly reformed administrative procedures to create an open and transparent investment environment; while also actively removing problems to support businesses and investors in project implementation. Nguyen Ba Chinh, director of Thai Nguyen Department of Industry and Trade, revealed that in the rest of 2024, the department will continue to advise the provincial Peoples Committee to closely keep an eye on the production of businesses. At the same time, the industry and trade sector will further review administrative procedures, striving to create the best conditions for investors and businesses to operate production, said Chinh. According to calculations, to complete the regional GDP growth target in 2024, growth in H2 needs to reach 8.75 per cent, of which, the industry-construction sector needs to expand 9.9 per cent, and the services sector has to reach 8 per cent. To complete the full-year industrial production target, the gross industrial production in H2 must reach $26.3 billion, up 13.8 per cent on-year, and showing an increase of 48.7 per cent over H1. Thai Nguyen sets industrial development example The province of Thai Nguyen has continued to achieve high industrial growth, playing the role as a key driving force for the northern provinces development as well as creating a boom in imports and exports. Thai Nguyen proactive in its green growth journey Thai Nguyen province in Vietnams northeast is making strides to expedite socioeconomic development hand-in-hand with green growth. Thai Nguyen gives firm backing for SME development Small- and medium-sized enterprises in the northern province of Thai Nguyen are being given efficient support to enhance self-reliance and develop sustainably. The bank has revealed that as of the end of June, it has issued 750,000 credit cards. Since the launch of new credit cards in line with personalisation trends in 2018, VIB has transformed itself with its customer-centric approach to card issuance strategy. In July 2022, the bank recorded the issuance of 500,000 credit cards. Tuong Nguyen, head of the Card Division at VIB, said, VIB is constantly developing and completing its flagship products and services. The biggest motivation is customer satisfaction when making payments with VIBs credit cards, thereby creating a modern lifestyle with smart spending secrets and effective financial management skills." VIB has led the card segment by following customers' credit card spending needs and creating high-quality products. In the first half of 2024, VIBs credit card spending reached nearly over $2.3 billion, equivalent to an average monthly spending of nearly $398.3 million by VIB cardholders. At the same time, the number of transactions via VIB cards reached nearly 18 million, an increase of 22 per cent compared to the first six months of 2023. In addition, VIB also took the lead in growth rate in the first half of 2024, with total spending via VIB cards increasing by 42.85 per cent from a year ago. Among them, domestic spending via VIB cards had an impressive growth rate of 45.2 per cent, as a result of the bank promoting the features, utilities, and incentives for cardholders. In the first half of 2024 alone, average spending via VIB Mastercard reached $4,200 per card, surpassing the market average. Both in-store and online spending via VIB cards have increased sharply. Direct spending via POS or contactless payment climbed by 48.3 per cent, while online spending jumped by 24.6 per cent against last years period. Since the launch of the new strategy for the card segment in 2018, VIB has determined that the new card products need to be cutting-edge, user-friendly, and have high technology content. In 2020, VIB was one of the first banks in Vietnam to issue credit cards online. As a result, customers do not need a physical card to make payments. At the same time, VIB also integrates advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, and hyper-realistic 3D simulation into Vie, the first virtual financial advisor in Vietnam launched in 2022. Vie is incorporated into the QR code on the back of VIB credit cards to support customers anytime, anywhere. At the Vietnam Business Messaging Awards 2023, Vie was honoured by Meta as the most innovative solution to unlock the power of conversational marketing. VIB was also one of the first banks in Vietnam to deploy contactless payment solutions such as Google Pay, Apple Pay, Garmin Pay, and Samsung Pay. With just a smartphone or smartwatch, VIB cardholders can easily make contactless payment at acceptance points. Many VIB card lines also offer cashback, bonus points, and gifts to customers. In addition, it cooperates with 150 strategic partners to meet all spending needs of customers with the categories of travel (VIB Travel), restaurants (VIB Dine), shopping (VIB Shop), transportation (VIB Move), and other offers (VIB More). VIB cards help customers maximise spending benefits by choosing the features of bonus points, cashback, minimum payment rates, card number according to preference, and flexibly setting card limits on MyVIB. First applied to Super Card, the personalised feature will continue to be expanded to the remaining card lines in the VIB ecosystem. Along with that, the bank is committed to continuously improving product and service quality, standing side by side with customers to experience effective spending. VIB first bank in Vietnam to deploy AWS Skill Builder to enhance cloud computing capabilities Vietnam International Bank (VIB) has announced it has integrated Amazon Web Services (AWS) Skill Builder, an online learning centre designed to provide role-based training and learning plans for workers to build in-demand cloud skills, into its cloud computing training programme. VIB launches loan package to refinace existing loans for townhouses and apartments Vietnam International Bank (VIB) is offering a loan package for customers looking to refinance existing loans from other banks to buy townhouses and apartments. Taral Patel, the former chief of staff for Fort Bend County Judge KP George, has announced his candidacy to serve as Fort Bend County Commissioner for Precinct 3. Taral Patel Patel, 30, allegedly impersonated a former Fort Bend County Engineering Department employee, via both Facebook and email, Patels updated arrest warrant shows. Patel did not respond to requests for comment. The former employee could not be reached for comment. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The investigation into the allegations against Patel was initiated by Andy Meyers, the Republican incumbent for Precinct 3 commissioner and Patels opponent, court documents show. Patel was arrested June 12 and charged with online impersonation, a third-degree felony, and misrepresentation of identity, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly using another mans image to create a fake Facebook account under the name Antonio Scalywag and using it to send racist attacks to himself. The man in the image is a private individual. In July, investigators said in court records Patel was also accused of impersonating Fort Bend County 204th Criminal District Court Judge Surendran Pattel. Patel allegedly created a fake Facebook account using Pattels name and photo. Pattel is the district court judge who would have presided over Patels criminal case, investigators said in court records. Patel has been assigned another judge, the records show. Advertisement Article continues below this ad According to investigators, Patel also created a fake email address and Facebook page posing as the former Fort Bend County employee. Under the fake page, Patel, posted racist messages and against himself while urging people to vote for Meyers, investigators say. Investigators further allege that Patel created an email address under the former employees name and used it for the purpose of discouraging support of Meyers and encouraging support for Taral Patel, the warrant states. Meyers said his focus is on bringing the community together, denouncing what he called lies and obfuscation from his opponent. These latest developments from the ongoing investigation are shocking and should not be tolerated in the public discourse, Meyers said. My priorities continue to be making Fort Bend County a safe, secure and family- and business-friendly community. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Investigators traced the IP address for the email back to Patel. Three emails were sent from the address spanning from March 7, 2023, to May 5, 2024. The emails were blind-copied, investigators noted. Court records show that in an email sent May 5, the fraudulent account posted, As a former employee of Fort Bend Engineering, let me set the record straight. I worked with Commissioner Andy Meyers. He is playing you like a fiddle for raising campaign contributions without anything to actually deliver. Under Texas Penal code, it is a third-degree felony to send an electronic mail, instant message, text message, or similar communication that references a name, domain address, phone number or another item of identifying information belonging to any person. Advertisement Article continues below this ad WATERLOO A federal judge has thrown out a lawsuit brought by a man who was shot and paralyzed by police when he allegedly chased deputies with what turned out to be a BB gun in 2021. Judge Leonard Strand ruled that Waterloo Police Officer C.J. Nichols didnt violate Marcelino Alvarez-Victorianos civil rights and therefore his actions were protected by qualified immunity, which shields public officials from liability. Though Nichols was mistaken in his belief that the BB gun was an actual firearm, this mistake was reasonable, Strand wrote in this opinion issued last month. The gun had no markings that indicated it was merely a BB gun and, with (Deputy Blake) Dodds life in apparent imminent danger, Nichols did not have time to verify that it was a firearm. This rapidly-evolving situation in which Nichols was faced with a split-second decision about whether to use deadly force is precisely the type of situation the qualified immunity doctrine is intended to address. Alvarez had sued the city of Waterloo and Nichols. The suit claimed, in part, that Alvarez didnt pose a threat, Nichols used excessive force, and the Black Hawk County sheriffs deputies who arrived at the scene before Nichols knew Alvarez was merely carrying a BB gun. But attorneys for the city said those assertions werent backed up by other evidence in the case. Judge Strand agreed. The question is whether a reasonable officer in Nichols position would be justified in using deadly force. Even if all of Alvarezs assertions are true, they do not address what a reasonable officers perception of the situation would be at the time of the shooting, the opinion states. The incident started in the early morning hours of April 7, 2021, when a passerby called 911 to report a man carrying a rifle was walking on Commercial Street toward the downtown Waterloo area. Dodd found Alvarez standing next to a concrete wall by the West Sixth Street Bridge. When he addressed Alvarez, Alvarez picked up the BB gun and began walking toward the deputy, according to reports. Dodd told him to drop the weapon and retreated, but Alvarez continued to approach. Deputy Matthew Isley pulled up to the scene and attempted to strike Alvarez with his squad car. Alvarez sidestepped and allegedly pointed the BB gun at the vehicle. Isley climbed out of his vehicle, pointed his pistol at Alvarez and yelled for Alvarez to drop the gun, reports state. When Nichols arrived, he saw Alvarez pointing the BB gun toward Dodd, records state. Nichols fired a single shot from his AR-15 rifle through his squad car window, striking Alvarez, who collapsed. Nichols exited, and Alvarez allegedly raised the BB gun. Nichols fired five more shots, according to court records. It wasnt until after the shooting that authorities realized Alvarezs weapon was a BB gun, according to reports. The shooting left Alvarez paralyzed from the waist down. The shooting was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, which charged Alvarez with misdemeanor assault on an officer. His trial is tentatively scheduled for September. PHOTOS: Officer-involved shooting, Waterloo, April 7, 2021 040721jr-officer-shooting 040721jr-officer-shooting-2 040721jr-officer-shooting-3 040721jr-officer-shooting-4 040721jr-officer-shooting-5 040721jr-officer-shooting-6 040721jr-officer-shooting-7 040721jr-officer-shooting-8 101521ho- Alvarez-shooting-3 Angels Nest founder Malika Bruno, second from left, talks with apartment residents including Toni Chamberlayner, 18, Javon Jackson, 18 and Josiah Gonzalez, 18, on Monday, July 22, 2024 in Houston. Angel's Nest is a nonprofit that aims to help young adults transition out of foster care and into furthering their education and careers. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Josiah Gonzalez, 18, sits on the sofa in his apartment run by Angels Nest on Monday, July 22, 2024 in Houston. Gonzalez, who aged out of foster care, is hoping to study to be an EMT and eventually a firefighter. Angel's Nest is a nonprofit started by Woodlands-area founder Malika Bruno that aims to help young adults transition out of foster care and into furthering their education and careers. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Roommates T.J. Cohen, 18, left, and Javon Jackson, 18, pose in the apartment they share run by Angels Nest photographed on Monday, July 22, 2024 in Houston. Each apartment gives the residents a private bedroom along with a shared space that includes a kitchen and washer and dryer. Angel's Nest is a nonprofit started by Woodlands-area founder Malika Bruno that aims to help young adults transition out of foster care and into furthering their education and careers. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Malika Bruno sorts through supplies she keeps on hand for the residents in apartments run by Angels Nest photographed on Monday, July 22, 2024 in Houston. Bruno founded Angel's Nest, a nonprofit to help young adults transition out of foster care and into furthering their education and careers. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Iisjagh Kelly, 18, sits in her apartment run by Angels Nest photographed on Monday, July 22, 2024 in Houston. Angel's Nest is a nonprofit started by Woodlands-area founder Malika Bruno that aims to help young adults transition out of foster care and into furthering their education and careers. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Malika Bruno sorts through supplies she keeps on hand for the residents in apartments run by Angels Nest photographed on Monday, July 22, 2024 in Houston. Bruno founded Angel's Nest, a nonprofit to help young adults transition out of foster care and into furthering their education and careers. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Toni Chamberlayne knew she wanted to study forensic science at Texas Southern University. She just didn't have the stepping stones to get there. Transitioning into adulthood can be overwhelming for anyone, but it posed an extra challenge for Chamberlayne, who lived at a foster care placement in Boerne before Spring-based nonprofit Angels Nest reached out to her. Housing and resources Founded by Malika Bruno, who got her start with child care at Texas Children's Hospital in The Woodlands, the organization offers housing, resources and support to kids who have lived in foster care as they embark on their first years in college or the workplace. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "It's helped me a lot because I have a bunch of people in my corner," Chamberlayne said. "It's helped me realize this is the adult life...when I tell you it's easy to build bonds and everyone is welcoming, I mean it. It's like having a family." More than one-fifth of young adults who lived in foster care will experience homelessness for at least one day for at least a year after they're out of foster care, according to Youth.gov. Complications from trauma and a lack of connections, schooling and work experience can contribute to an especially disorienting leap into adult life. MORE NONPROFITS: Nonprofit in The Woodlands brings teenagers together from different sides of warring countries Javon Jackson was almost forced into homelessness after he was kicked out of his foster care home while still in high school. Jackson traveled to school while living on a friend's couch before he found the Angels Nest program. "Ever since being here, they make sure you're okay. If you need anything, they check up on you," Jackson said. "Whatever path you do choose, they help." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Bruno was a volunteer at the child life department at Texas Children's Hospital in The Woodlands when her father passed away. After she recovered from her loss, she became a volunteer court appointed special advocate, or CASA. It was there that she first encountered children within the foster care system and the unique challenges they faced. "I was working directly with one particular youth who was two days out, and it was my direct experience with her that kind of got me thinking," Bruno said. "She didn't have any family and the only option was the homeless shelter." Educational opportunities Young adults within the program are offered housing at several campuses around Houston. In exchange, they must either join the workforce or higher education at nearby campuses including TSU, the University of Houston or Houston Community College. Chamberlayne will pursue her dream of becoming a forensic medical examiner at Texas Southern University, while Jackson was inspired by a counselor who helped him in high school and hopes to pursue either social work or education. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The program focuses on trauma-informed care as it connects youth to case management, mental health resources and education and skill-building opportunities. "It feels overwhelming for them to go out into the world and do these things on their own...we help with all of the social, emotional, mental health, wellness, all of those different pieces by connecting them to resources in the community," Bruno said. "We're trauma-informed in such a way where we're not re-traumatizing them by saying all the wrong things." The Spring-based nonprofit housed its first young adults in 2022, and has since expanded with condos, apartments and single-family homes, opening its latest housing complex near Houston's top universities in February. Food bank project In April, Angel's Nest partnered with nonprofits Mentor Emplower Motivate and the Winners Circle Group of Texas to open a new food bank for youth and the general public at 3995 FM 1960 W. in North Houston. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The food bank is registered with the Houston Food Bank and has been offering disaster kits since Hurricane Beryl. "We just kind of joined together to do this so that we can feed all of those kids in foster care, independent living, and group homes and then of course, the community," M.E.M founder Dariana Montgomery said. "It's been received really well...it feels good when we leave on Wednesdays, most days it's 40 to 50 people." More than anything, Jackson and Chamberlayne said the group has brought them a sense of camaraderie and support that's hard to replicate. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "I think everyone, including myself, is very, very strong. We all had to grow up very fast," Jackson said. "Other people have a mom and dad or a big support system, but I think with Angel's Nest, with each other, we are a support system." You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close I fall asleep just fine, but I always wake up in the middle of the night and have trouble getting back to sleep. What are the top things you suggest that I do? Many of my patients complain that they have difficulty falling asleep, or like you, staying asleep. While its normal to wake several times during the night and quickly fall back to sleep, according to a new AARP survey, 70 percent of adults 40 and older reported having trouble sleeping. Of those who reported sleep difficulties, nearly 60 percent said they had trouble staying asleep. Members only Sleeplessness can take its toll. Chronic bad nights can make us unfocused and irritable, as well as increase the risk of dementia, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity and other conditions. So, lets investigate why youre waking and staying awake, and then use strategies that can help you fall back to sleep. Ask Dr. Adam Adam B. Rosenbluth, M.D., is an internist and cardiologist in New York City. Each Monday, hell weigh in on your questions about how to make your body work better for you. His AARP book will be published in 2027. Email your questions for Dr. Adam to dradam@aarp.org When someone says, Adam, I wake up at 2 or 3 a.m. and cant fall back to sleep, the first thing I ask is, Did you have this problem six months ago? If they say No, Ill ask, Well then, whats changed? The cause might be physical. Sometimes a patient has worsening arthritis with pain that wakes them up and prevents them from falling back asleep. Or they may have digestive issues like acid reflux or IBS symptoms that act up several hours after dinner. Men with prostate problems wake frequently with the urge to urinate, while women in menopause often have hormonal changes that bring on night sweats. Your doctor can help you deal with these conditions with medication and suggested lifestyle changes. Thats why its so important to let your health care provider know about any physical issues. Alternately, the cause could be emotional. I also ask my patients if theyre feeling worried about anything. When were anxious, neurochemicals are released that put our brains and bodies on high alert and keep us primed for action. Counseling and medication may help lessen anxiety. If youre waking in the middle of the night and its not caused by a physical or emotional issue, I suggest you practice specific strategies to help you fall back asleep. The first step is to avoid any kind of stimulation, which means turning off the TV and putting down your electronics. Dont look at your phone to catch up on emails or send texts, and dont stream videos on your iPad. Instead, slowly get out of bed, sit in a chair and read something very boring. For me, thats poetry. You can drink a glass of warm milk if it makes you sleepy. Once you start feeling drowsy, thats your cue to put the book down and go back to bed. When my mother asked me to be her executor, I thought I knew what that would entail: Gather up the money in her accounts, dole it out as directed by her will and tie up other loose ends. My mother had been my fathers executor when he died, and the process had seemed straightforward. I imagined that this sad task would take less than a year. How wrong I was. Its been nearly two years since my mother died, and Im still not done. Mom did many things right. She had a will, a power of attorney and a health care power of attorney. She let me know who should get certain items after her death. Her estate was not complex. Still, its been an exhausting cascade of notarized forms, phone calls, faxes and difficulties. But Ive learned a lot about how my mother and I could have made this easier. Whether youre doing your own estate planning or youre in line to be an executor one day, I have lessons for you. Members only Prepare for the cost of dying Most funeral and burial costs can be covered by a persons estate, but belatedly; when a loved one dies, you have to pay up quickly and, if theres money in the estate, get reimbursed later. I had two days to hand over $17,500 for Moms funeral, wake and casket because the funeral home required up-front payment and didnt take credit cards. They suggested a company that lends money for funerals, but those lenders might charge 30 percent interest or demand your cars title as collateral. Luckily, my siblings and I could afford the $25,000 total cost of Moms funeral and associated expenses without borrowing. Lesson 1: It would have been great if Mom had set up a joint bank account with me, so I could access the money for the funeral. Get ready for more up-front expenses When youre the executor, companies will let you report the death, but they wont share account balances or make any transactions unless you have letters testamentary legal proof of your authority to act on behalf of the estate. So until you probate the will and obtain letters testamentary, you have to pay the estates bills with your own funds, assuming you have any. In New Jersey, where Mom died, it took nearly six weeks to get the letters and another four to get access to her accounts, during which time I paid her bills power, property taxes and more out of my own pocket. Lesson 2: Here again, a joint account with Mom would have helped. Noe Diaz, center, the incoming chief of the Houston Police Department, speaks to a reporter during a press conference with Mayor John Whitmire, left, and interim HPD Chief Larry Satterwhite, right, during a press conference Diaz as the new chief Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, at Houston City Hall in Houston. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Another assistant has been reassigned from the internal affairs division at the Houston Police Department as the fallout from the suspended cases scandal continues. A spokesman for the department Monday confirmed that Wyatt Martin had been reassigned to support services. Hed previously served as the departments professional standards commander since March 2023, according to Victor Senties, spokesman for the department. Its not uncommon for commanders to be reassigned, Senties said. But Gregory Fremin, a retired captain from the Houston Police Department, said the reassignment came after a commander filed a retaliation complaint against Martin. Advertisement Article continues below this ad MORE FROM HOUSTON CHRONICLE: What to know about Noe Diaz, the the next Houston Police Department chief The commander that filed the complaint referred questions about the matter to the departments media relations team. News of Martins reassignment comes after Acting Chief Larry Satterwhite confirmed Chandra Hatcher wouldnt be part of the departments executive team moving forward. Ray Hunt, executive director of the Houston Police Officers Union, said Hatchers authoring of an email alleging to have attended a 2021 meeting that she hadnt actually been at had launched a spinoff investigation. Martins reassignment came as part of that spinoff investigation, Hunt said. Were waiting until that investigation is complete, Hunt said, when asked his thoughts about Martins reassignment. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ever since news first broke in February that the department had suspended more than 264,000 cases since 2016 using an internal code citing a lack of personnel, the executive team has seen a shuffling of personnel. Former Chief Troy Finner demoted Kevin Deese and Ernest Garcia in connection with the scandal and James Jones retired under investigation. Hatcher's removal from the team brings the total number to four. The departments executive team includes all assistant chiefs and executive assistant chiefs, Senties said. Hunt said there were nine assistant chiefs and three executive assistant chiefs. The command staff, which comprises all those on the executive team in addition to the departments 45 commanders, has seen further turnover, including Martin. Department leaders also reassigned the commander, Donna Crawford, who was overseeing the internal affairs investigation into the dropped cases scandal a move that drew concern from both the union and Finner. Incoming Chief Noe Diaz, who doesnt officially begin until Aug. 14, declined Friday to comment on the specifics of the investigation into the suspended cases, but said it might take additional staffing changes to move beyond the scandal. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Councilman Julian Ramirez said Friday that it would be key for Diaz to pick a good command staff he could trust as he adjusts from managing a police department the size of Katy, with less than 100 employees, to Houstons almost 6,000. Judge Ramona Franklin of the 338th District Court is asked by the DA to sign an execution order for death row inmate Arthur Lee Burton, who in 1997 raped and killed a jogger, on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Death row inmate Arthur Lee Burton, who in 1997 raped and killed a jogger, is shown on zoom in court as Harris County DA asks Judge Ramona Franklin of the 338th District Court to sign an execution order on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer A higher court admonished state district Judge Ramona Franklin for overstepping and reversing her decision to grant a Harris County death row inmate a short-lived reprieve from his Wednesday execution. Franklins decision that garnered the admonishment centered around her withdrawal of an execution order for Arthur Lee Burton, a Louisiana native convicted in the 1997 rape and murder of a Houston jogger. The ruling stemmed from worries of clerical errors in versions of the death warrant delivered to Burton and his lawyers. A court clerk signed multiple copies with slight variations on the placement of the Harris County seal, according to court documents. The issue, however, was that Burtons Minneapolis-based lawyer, Kate Johnson, had no way of knowing which copy was the original served to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, which she is allowed to review, she said. She called foul on the documents lacking apparent compliance with state law and urged more care to be taken in how documents are handled in execution cases. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The judge, who did not respond to a request for comment, rescinded her May order that set the warrants into motion and asked prosecutors to obtain a new execution date with compliant records. The July 26 ruling by the outgoing judge unseated in the Democratic primary set off a rapid-fire legal battle amid his quickly-approaching execution Wednesday in the death of Nancy Adleman, a mother of three, who was killed while jogging near her northwest Houston home. He was sentenced to die twice first in 1998 and again after a higher court ordered a new punishment trial. Few legal options remain for Burton to avoid death by lethal injection as several last-minute attempts to postpone or avoid execution have failed. His attorney filed an intellectual disability claim last week that the Court of Criminal Appeals quickly knocked down. A federal court is reviewing the same claim, while the Supreme Court is considering Burtons request to appeal the appellate courts ruling. Joshua Reiss, chief of District Attorney Kim Oggs post-convictions and writs division, argued that Burtons IQ scores were too high for the disability claim to continue. Burton was without execution order for 4 days The conflict over paperwork pitted the 338th District Court jurist against the appellate court that has admonished her in the past as Reiss accused Franklin of violating strict law dictating what a judge can and cannot do to stop scheduled executions. Prosecutors turned to the higher court to review Franklins actions and ordered her to follow the law. The appellate court asked Franklin to explain her rationale as to why, and by what jurisdiction and authorities, according to an opinion. The judge stood by her actions. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The all-Republican court concluded last Tuesday that while state lawmakers could but have not given judges the ability to fix faulty execution orders, Franklin ultimately violated a ministerial duty by withdrawing the warrant and ordered her to rescind her ruling. By then, Burton had gone without an execution order for about four days. Reiss said judges can withdraw execution orders or warrants only if the death row inmate did not receive a copy of the order within 48 hours or if the judge decides that a last-minute appeal or other motions deserves further consideration. The decision marked another instance of the appellate court overturning one of Franklins rulings, having similarly done so in December after determining that a man in her court should have been allowed to submit an appeal. One of the courts judges deemed Franklins decision unsupported and erroneous. FILE - Utility crews work to restore electricity in Houston, Thursday, July 11, 2024. Houstons prolonged outages following Hurricane Beryl has some fed-up and frustrated residents taking out their anger on repair workers who are trying to restore power across the city. (AP Photo/Lekan Oyekanmi, File) Lekan Oyekanmi/Associated Press An electrical worker with PAR Electrical Contractors repairs a power line after Hurricane Beryl, Wednesday, July 10, 2024, in Kingwood. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Texas isnt the only state to get furious after its utility companies underperformed in a natural disaster. Two decades ago, Florida was pummeled with eight major hurricanes in just two years. Millions of residents were left without power, some for as long as three weeks. We basically sucked, recalled Barry Moline, then head of the Florida Municipal Utility Association. The utilities looked like the Keystone Cops. Repairing their storm-damaged systems cost billions. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In response, then-Gov. Jeb Bush summoned utility leaders to a meeting, recalled Moline, who attended. He said, You guys stunk. The thing with stinking is, you can usually get away with it. But this time it affected too many people. (Bush declined an interview request.) What followed was an unprecedented campaign to pull the states power grid out of the costly pattern of destroy-and-rebuild. Instead of asking utilities to disaster-harden their grids, the government made them. Californias energy epiphany happened five years ago, after a utility company ignited the deadliest wildfire in the states history by failing to maintain its grid. In response, that state, too, overhauled its system, giving regulators far greater authority to make sure the power companies better maintained their systems. Their experiences stand in contrast to Texas. Like powerful storms before it, when Hurricane Beryl swept through the Houston area last month it left an underprepared grid in shambles. Many CenterPoint Energy customers waited a week or longer to get power back. Numerous examples of the companys failure to properly anticipate extreme weather have emerged. CenterPoint purchased expensive generators instead of spending more money hardening its electricity delivery system. It skimped on trimming trees away from its poles and wires. Thousands of its old-school wooden poles snapped in the high winds. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As Texas utility companies have in storms past, CenterPoint said it will seek reimbursement from its customers to once again rebuild a hurricane-shattered system in many cases using the same equipment that failed in Beryl, its executives said. Yet if Texas utilities have continued to operate as they always have in the face of worsening weather, it is because Texas politicians have allowed it despite the costly lessons learned by other states prone to extreme weather. What was good enough 15 years ago is not good enough anymore, Thomas Gleeson, chairman of the Gov. Greg Abbott-appointed Public Utility Commission of Texas, which regulates utilities, told legislators. We have not held them to a standard that is sufficient. I think we need a comprehensive look at how we fund utilities and how they prepare for storms, he said. We have to adjust A growing stack of climate studies has shown extreme weather is getting more extreme. Typhoons are packing higher winds and more water. Driven by drought and development, wildfires are more frequent, bigger and more destructive. Advertisement Article continues below this ad At the same time, customers ever-more dependent on electricity are less tolerant of extended outages. Every state that has had a catastrophic incident hurricane, ice storm, fire highlights the changing nature of disasters and public expectation, said Scott Aaronson, vice president of security and preparedness for the Edison Electric Institute. So we have to adjust. Yet many utility companies and the government entities that regulate them have continued to prepare for decades-old storms. We built the infrastructure for the past 100 years, said Craig Fugate, who led the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the Obama administration and Floridas emergency response before that. And its not doing good. A study by the Electric Power Research Institute and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory calculated if the Houston-area electric grid stayed the same, in coming decades residents could expect to see 70% more power outages thanks to wilder weather. This is a warning of how bad things may get if we dont prepare, said co-author Andrea Staid. Were hoping its motivation for better planning. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Energy experts say the traditional ways of paying for power including in Texas have discouraged better storm preparation. Investor-owned utilities minimize expenses to maximize shareholder returns (CenterPoint boasted about its expense cutting in a recent financial report). Financial incentives that guarantee profits for capital expenses encourage the companies to spend on building over upkeep. Politicians want to keep power costs as low as possible for their constituents. Linemen tend to fallen power lines in the East End neighborhood of Houston, days after Hurricane Beryl made landfall, on Thursday, July 11, 2024, in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer So it is often only after events too catastrophic to ignore that regulators finally force utility companies to change how they plan for extreme weather. In 2018, an old hook on a 100-year-old transmission tower owned by Pacific Gas & Electric broke, igniting the Camp Fire in California. It killed 85 people and cost an estimated $16 billion. PG&E had neglected its fire-prevention maintenance even as the companys service area considered high risk for fire had soared in previous years. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In response, state legislators in 2019 created the Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety, a separate regulatory agency with authority to enforce utility safety performance. The companies must submit detailed plans to it describing how they intend to prevent fires in the face of escalating risk. The agency reviews them, demanding changes if necessary and then follows up to make sure they do it. In but one example, it conducts annual field audits of every company to ensure the promised vegetation management work was done. The office also offers incentives. If a utility agrees to compensate its executives based partially on the companys safety record and passes a safety culture assessment, California will grant it extra legal protections if a wildfire starts from its equipment. The 2018 fires made regulators realize the level of oversight had to be significantly stepped up to be sure the utilities were doing this work at the pace we needed them to do it, said Caroline Thomas Jacobs, director of the states infrastructure safety office. A series of one-offs Texas lawmakers have long resisted telling power companies how to conduct their business despite the growing list of expensive and often deadly disasters for which the companies often seem unprepared, and which customers typically must pay to fix. When state leaders have contemplated regulation, they have tended to view each disaster as an isolated event, rather than part of a wider effort to address more extreme weather. Were doing all these things as a series of one-offs instead of as we should, said Doug Lewin, a Texas energy analyst and publisher of the Texas Energy and Power Newsletter. Which is all as part of a rapidly changing world. Deep freezes knocked out electricity in Texas in 1989 and again in 2011. But when regulators recommended the state require power companies to weatherize their facilities for the next storm, Texas politicians chose not to, until 2021s Winter Storm Uri froze power generation for more than a week, killing hundreds of Texans. Confronted with the catastrophic failure, the Legislature passed a suite of new laws requiring the power companies to weatherize for winter conditions. Bottom line is that everything that needed to be done was done to fix the power grid in Texas, Abbott said at the time. In the Texas Panhandle, meanwhile, power lines have ignited more than 1,300 fires since 2000. But it wasnt until early this year, when a decayed utility pole toppled in a stiff wind and started the largest wildfire in the states history, killing three and burning a million acres, that lawmakers appeared to make the connection. Wildfires started by power lines have been among the most destructive in the region, a follow-up investigation found. Noting that Texas does little to regulate the inspection, maintenance, and replacement schedules of utility poles in the state, it recommended regulators study if the companies were sufficiently maintaining their poles and wires but only for wildfire prevention. Barely two weeks after the report was released, a derecho windstorm ripped through Southeast Texas, leveling trees and power poles and knocking out electricity to more than a million customers for up to a week. Two months after that, Beryl destroyed some 3,000 of CenterPoints poles, plunging Houston residents into a week of darkness and heat. Although CenterPoint is absorbing most of the publics anger, the Public Utility Commission has failed, and they are the governors appointees, said Ed Hirs, an energy expert who teaches at the University of Houston. The governor, the lieutenant governor and the Legislature are to blame as much as CenterPoint. Ignoring reality Hardening an electric grid may sound complicated, but experts say the most effective fixes are simple, if not cheap. The majority of weather-related outages are caused by damage to wires and poles, so they have to be strengthened or protected. In response to the 2004-05 storms, Florida enacted new rules designed both to help its electricity system survive extreme weather, as well as to speed up restoration of power once a storm passed. Crucial to the plan, said Moline, was the government mandating the changes. The utilities needed regulatory cover, he said. They needed the public utility commission to tell them what to do. Starting in 2007, instead of relying on the private companies to maintain their poles, Florida regulators required an eight-year cycle of inspecting distribution poles (six years for transmission poles). Any found deficient were typically replaced with higher grade poles better able to withstand extreme weather. Companies had to follow tight, three-year vegetation management cycles to keep trees far from lines. Florida Power & Light says it inspects and manages 15,000 miles of line each year. (CenterPoint said it does about 5,000.) The utilities also began burying lines where power loss would be especially disruptive and deadly. Today, FP&L said 99% of the main lines serving critical customers such as hospitals and police and fire stations are underground, protected from hurricane winds. Linemen tend to fallen power lines in the East End neighborhood of Houston, days after Hurricane Beryl made landfall, on Thursday, July 11, 2024 in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Florida utility companies must participate in annual hardening workshops, in which executives share ideas with each other; and regularly submit updated hardening plans explaining how they intend to strengthen their systems even more. The details are subject to review by state regulators. In 2016 and 2017, four hurricanes struck the state. In a report comparing the utilities performance before the hardening changes to after, regulators found fewer people lost power, concluding Floridas aggressive storm hardening programs are working. For those who did lose power, the companies were able to restore it faster. In its state-mandated 2023 Storm Protection Plan, FP&L calculated it took four fewer days to restore power after Hurricane Irma than it would have without the changes, saving nearly $500 million in costs. In its latest comparison of state electricity grid reliability, the Citizens Utility Board of Illinois ranked Florida 10th; Texas was 36th. Texans experienced three times more outages than the average Florida customer; Floridians outages on average lasted half as long. Texas officials said theyve already begun looking across the Gulf to see what Florida fixes can be brought here. Gleeson, the Texas PUC head, said hes spoken to regulators there. State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a Houston Republican, said after their performance during the derecho and Beryl, hes planning to introduce rules that will force utility companies to step up their extreme weather preparation. I think the back-to-back storms are our wake-up call, he said. I was appalled to find out how far behind Florida we were. Moline, who in 2017 left Florida to head the California Municipal Utilities Association, agreed. India is set to introduce a new law that could significantly impact the digital content landscape, and the digital creator community is alarmed. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is drafting the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2024, which will replace the outdated Television Network Act of 1995. This new legislation aims to bring online content creators under a stricter regulatory framework. The proposed law will classify influencers and social media pages discussing current affairs or news as 'digital news broadcasters'. These platforms, with a user base exceeding a certain threshold, will be mandated to register with the government within a month of the bill's enactment. They will also be subject to a three-tier regulatory system and required to establish a content evaluation committee. The creator community is alarmed by these stringent measures. There are concerns about the potential impact on freedom of expression and the lack of transparency in the bill's drafting process. Industry stakeholders have criticized the government for holding closed-door meetings with only a select group, excluding digital associations, civil society, and other key players. Calls for greater transparency and inclusivity have been made. Industry bodies and content creators are demanding the release of the draft bill's details for public scrutiny. They argue that such a significant piece of legislation should be subject to widespread consultation. The Editors Guild of India has expressed deep concern over the secretive nature of the consultation process, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue in shaping such crucial policies. In the latest episode of Kitchen Kahani with RB on Instagram, celebrity chef and MasterChows brand ambassador Ranveer Brar takes us on a delightful culinary journey, revealing the intriguing history and essence of Asli Chinese cuisine, our beloved Indian-Chinese fusion. This week, the spotlight shines on a particular condiment that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many, like the Schezwan Chutney. Ranveer takes the viewers on a time-traveling chopstick ride back to the 1770s when a trader named Tong Atchew sailed into Bengal's shores, presenting Lord Hastings with exquisite Chinese tea. In a generous gesture, Lord Hastings granted him the land which would become known as Achipur. As more Hakka Chinese migrants arrived in Kolkata, they brought with them a rich culinary heritage that mingled with Indian flavors, birthing a new cuisine that we fondly call Indian-Chinese or Asli Chinese. The video takes a fun twist as Ranveer explains the origin of the word Schezwan. While it might sound familiar, it doesnt exist in China. The actual Sichuan province lends its name to a spicy cuisine, but Schezwan is a uniquely Indian creation. It reflects the blend of cultures and flavours that has become a staple in Indian street food. As Ranveer strolls through the vibrant streets of Tangra and Tiretta Bazaar in Kolkata, he notes the seamless fusion of Indian and Chinese influences. The snacks we dip into Schezwan chutney are as much a part of our culture as the chutney itself. It is a story of connection, love, and the merging of different traditions, all embodied in the rich, spicy flavours of Schezwan Chutney. The celebrity chef also emphasizes that one shouldnt be overly concerned about authenticity when it comes to enjoying food. If you have a craving for Schezwan chutney, he suggests indulging in it just like he does with MasterChows version. It is one of his favourites, after all. With a playful smile, he concludes that what some may call Chinese, we proudly call Asli Chinese, and it is delicious. So, whether you are a fan of history, a lover of food, or just someone with a soft spot for chutney, Kitchen Kahani with RB offers something for everyone. As Ranveer Brar shares the story of Schezwan chutney, it becomes clear that its not just about the food; rather, its about the stories, the love, and the cultural ties that make it truly special. Red Dot Representations, a trailblazer in the destination representation landscape, has announced its new strategic partnership with Indochina Charm Tours, a premier Vietnamese tour operator. This collaboration intends to significantly strenghten tourism between India and Vietnam, heralding a new era of growth and cultural exchange. Red Dot Representations is renowned for its comprehensive suite of services, including B2B sales, marketing, branding, public relations, and forging fruitful collaborations for tourism bodies. Indochina Charm Tours, with its two decades of experience, is known for welcoming inbound tourists from diverse markets, Indochina Charm Tours has built a reputation for providing top-notch services, contributing to their position as a preferred choice for travellers exploring Vietnam. The strategic onboarding of Indochina Charm Tours by Red Dot Representations aims to bring economic growth and a deeper cultural exchange between India and Vietnam. The piqued interest of Indian tourists in Vietnam is evident, with over 2,20,000 Indian visitors recorded in the first half of 2023, marking a nearly fourfold increase from the 2022. This surge in numbers, reported by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), highlights Vietnam's reputation as a safe destination for leisure travel. The collaboration between Red Dot Representations and Indochina Charm Tours will also address the unique needs of Indian travellers with the availability of vegetarian and Indian cuisine in Vietnamese cities. "We are thrilled to partner with Indochina Charm Tours to expand their footprint in India," said Prabhakar Kamat, Vice-President, Red Dot Representation. "This collaboration will enable us to offer tailored travel experiences that resonate with Indian tourists, promoting Vietnam as a premier destination. We are confident that this partnership will drive significant growth and foster stronger cultural ties between our two nations. With the growing need for travel to Vietnam we are sure that this partnership will be conducive" Dinh Thi Thu Hang, Director of Indochine Charm Tours, added, "We are excited to join hands with Red Dot Representations. This partnership marks a significant milestone in our efforts to reach the Indian market. We look forward to welcoming more Indian travelers to Vietnam and providing them with unforgettable experiences that showcase the rich culture and beauty of our country." The Man Company, India's premium men's grooming essentials brand, has launched an exclusive campaign for Rakshabandhan celebrations with a groundbreaking rap video that puts a fresh spin on sibling relationships. Launching just in time for the festival, this innovative campaign features an all-female cast and is voiced by renowned Mumbai-based rapper Krantinaari. Breaking away from the traditional emotional and tearjerker narratives, The Man Company's Rakshabandhan Rap offers a playful, authentic take on the brother-sister duo. Directed by Nikhil Mehrotra and conceptualized by Gurugram-based creative agency Hashtag Orange, the video captures the essence of modern sibling bonds - equal parts love, rivalry, and unwavering support. "We're celebrating the real, unfiltered sibling experience with a modern twist, said Jatin Luthra, AVP-Marketing at The Man Company. This rap is more than a catchy tune; it's a tribute to the inside jokes, playful jabs, or unspoken understanding that define the beautifully chaotic brother-sister relationships. He further added, The Man Company has always been committed to revolutionizing traditional narratives, and this year, we're doing just that by showcasing the much-anticipated festival through a fresh and zestful lens. Our vision is to celebrate the gentlemen brothers and the various shades of sibling dynamic while elevating their self-care routines with our premium grooming essentials. This campaign reflects our commitment to blending tradition with modernity. The campaign cleverly positions The Man Company's premium grooming sets as the ideal Rakshabandhan gift, encouraging sisters to elevate their brothers' self-care game. Each gift set comes with a complimentary Rakhi, a roli-chawal pack along with a personalized card, thus blending tradition with modern grooming essentials. For sisters looking to add a personal touch, the "Curate Your Own Box" option allows for customized gift sets tailored to their brothers' preferences. The Man Company, known for its innovative approach to men's grooming, continues to challenge conventional masculinity narratives. This Rakshabandhan campaign further cements their position as a brand that understands the evolving familial relationships and celebrates all the gentlemen brothers out there. As the rap proclaims, "Bhai Mera 10 on 10 Hai, Woh Proper Gentleman Hai" - a fitting ode to the brothers who are on a journey to becoming the best version of themselves. The Rakshabandhan Rap was launched on 2nd August 2024 across major digital platforms. To watch the video, visit the below link: Authored by Roshan Singh Bisht, Co-Founder & CEO, ASORT.com In the dynamic landscape of Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) brands, influencers have emerged as powerful allies. Leveraging their reach and trust, influencers can help D2C brands build awareness, drive engagement, and convert followers into loyal customers. Here, we explore the critical role influencers play in D2C brand building and outline strategies for achieving success. Amplifying Brand Awareness For D2C brands, visibility is paramount. Influencers, with their substantial followings, can amplify a brands message far beyond traditional advertising methods. Partnering with influencers allows brands to tap into niche communities, reaching potential customers who might not encounter the brand otherwise. Influencers can introduce a D2C brand to a broad audience through engaging content, effectively putting the brand on the map. Building Trust and Credibility Trust is a crucial factor in purchasing decisions, particularly for online shopping. Influencers, who have nurtured authentic relationships with their followers, can lend credibility to D2C brands. When an influencer endorses a product, it is perceived as a genuine recommendation rather than a commercial. This authenticity helps build trust, encouraging followers to try new products. For instance, beauty influencers demonstrating the effectiveness of skincare products through tutorials can significantly impact a brands credibility and customer acquisition. Driving Engagement and Interaction Influencers are adept at creating content that resonates with their audience, fostering high levels of engagement. This engagement is vital for D2C brands aiming to cultivate a loyal customer base. Interactive content, such as live Q&A sessions, giveaways, and polls, can drive meaningful interactions between the brand and potential customers. These engagements not only increase visibility but also foster a sense of community around the brand. Generating User-Generated Content (UGC) User-generated content is a powerful tool for D2C brands. Influencers can stimulate their followers to create content around a brand, leading to a plethora of authentic, relatable posts that serve as social proof. Encouraging followers to share their experiences with a product through hashtags or challenges can create a buzz and provide a steady stream of content that showcases the brand in a positive light. Enhancing SEO and Online Presence Collaborations with influencers can also enhance a brands SEO efforts. When influencers create blog posts, videos, or social media content that links back to the brands website, it can improve search engine rankings. High-quality backlinks from reputable influencers signal to search engines that the brand is credible and relevant, increasing its online visibility. Strategies for Success To maximize the benefits of influencer collaborations, D2C brands should adopt the following strategies: Identify the Right Influencers Not all influencers are created equal. Its crucial to partner with influencers whose values align with the brands and who have an audience that matches the target demographic. Micro-influencers, with smaller but highly engaged followings, can often deliver more impactful results than macro-influencers. Foster Authentic Relationships Building genuine relationships with influencers is key to long-term success. Rather than one-off transactions, brands should aim for ongoing collaborations that allow influencers to become true ambassadors. This authenticity will resonate more deeply with their audience. Encourage Creative Freedom Influencers know their audience best. Allowing them creative freedom to present the brand in their unique style can result in more authentic and engaging content. Collaborative campaigns that leverage the influencers creativity are likely to perform better than prescriptive, brand-centric directives. Measure and Adjust Tracking the performance of influencer campaigns is essential. Metrics such as engagement rates, conversion rates, and return on investment (ROI) provide insights into what works and what doesnt. Brands should be prepared to adjust their strategies based on these insights to optimize future collaborations. Conclusion In the competitive D2C landscape, influencers are invaluable partners. They amplify brand awareness, build trust, drive engagement, generate user-generated content, and enhance online presence. By identifying the right influencers, fostering authentic relationships, encouraging creative freedom, and measuring performance, D2C brands can leverage influencer collaborations to achieve remarkable success. Embracing these strategies will ensure that influencers become a cornerstone of the brands growth and longevity. DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and Adgully.com does not necessarily subscribe to it. WPP unveiled the next phase in its partnership with NVIDIA at SIGGRAPH, the annual computer graphics conference, using new NVIDIA NIM microservices for Universal Scene Description (OpenUSD) generative AI models, built on the NVIDIA Omniverse platform, to create generative 3D landscapes and worlds. WPP is the first company to test and utilise the new NVIDIA NIM microservices for OpenUSD. The company is also collaborating with Shutterstock to accelerate the building of 3D worlds that feature brand-compliant products, with 3D generative AI powered by NVIDIA NIM microservices. WPP continues to lead the industry in pushing the boundaries of creativity through AI. As part of the collaboration announced last year, WPP has worked closely with NVIDIA to develop AI innovations that can be applied to marketing and production, and deployed in client campaigns. In particular, WPPs Creative Technology Apprentices a cohort of next-generation technology creatives trained in-house by WPP and its production company Hogarth have been integral to the testing and evolution of NVIDIAs new technologies. NVIDIAs new USD Search NIM and USD Code NIM microservices allow creative teams to build on WPP visual content already in existence, or search for 3D objects from a Shutterstock library of nearly 1.3 million 3D assets. The USD Search NIM microservice is used to explore the visual archive, while the USD Code NIM microservice helps build a virtual environment object by object, move items around on command, and assemble objects into scenes. WPPs creative teams are able to reduce multiple layers of the production process, enabling 3D worlds to be built at scale and to be adapted to create culturally relevant or audience-specific campaigns that can be used in local markets. The new generative AI 3D tools are available to WPPs thousands of production experts around the world through the recently launched Production Studio housed on the companys intelligent marketing operating system WPP Open, or through custom solutions for individual clients. The Coca-Cola Company will be one of the first of WPPs clients to begin scaling the opportunities of generative 3D across its 100 markets, working with its dedicated marketing team WPP Open X to roll out the use of Prod X, a WPP-built custom production studio, across its marketing operations. WPP has also been working with Ford to build physically accurate, real-time digital twins of its vehicles to create car configurators that customers can explore and adapt according to their needs, generating demand for new cars before they hit the production line. Stephan Pretorius, Chief Technology Officer at WPP, said, The evolution of our collaboration with NVIDIA underscores how WPP is innovating to lead in AI for the benefit of our clients. With early access to the latest technologies through our intelligent marketing operating system WPP Open, were able to build on our library of 3D models to construct new digital worlds at scale and create brand-compliant campaigns that can be adapted to resonate with multiple audiences. Rev Lebaredian, Vice President, Omniverse and Simulation Technology at NVIDIA, added here, By adopting NVIDIAs new USD Search and USD Code NIM microservices, WPPs creative teams can create significantly more diverse, high-fidelity and physically accurate 3D virtual environments and deliver more innovative and effective marketing content to clients. Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Heads to London via India Amid Protests 2 Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on Monday after unprecedented anti-government protests. She is en route to London via India, traveling in a Bangladesh Air Force transport aircraft, with a likely stopover in India, according to diplomatic sources. The Indian government has granted her plane safe passage through its airspace following a request from Dhaka. India is closely monitoring the rapid developments in Bangladesh but has yet to issue an official reaction. In a televised address, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman confirmed Hasinas resignation and announced that an interim government will assume control, with the Army maintaining law and order. Over 100 people died during the recent protests, which began over a controversial job quota scheme and escalated into a broader anti-government movement. Significant changes are coming for students planning to take the ACT in 2025. The ACT, the standardized college admissions test offered to all Alabama high school students, will no longer have a mandatory science section. But Madison teacher and ACT tutor Ashly Johnston still encourages students to show off science knowledge, especially if they feel weaker in core areas of English and math. I would definitely encourage students who dont feel super confident about the other categories to go ahead and do that, Johnston told AL.com. Johnston anticipates that fewer students will prep and take the science portion. If they do, they will receive a separate STEM score. Other major changes to the ACT are coming, including: Reducing the number of questions from 215 to 171. Reducing the test length from 195 minutes to 125 minutes. Reducing the number of math answer choices from five to four. Shortening the reading passages. Madison teacher and ACT tutor Ashly Johnston believes the changes will be beneficial and will improve student performance. Hopefully, students wont feel rushed to complete the test or get fatigued. These changes will give people a better, comprehensive view of their ability, she said. Johnston, whos been tutoring students and schools on standardized testing for more than 16 years, feels these changes mimic the SATs recent changes to make it more manageable for students with the amount of time that they had. The SAT shortened its test and went all digital in 2022. The ACT will remain available on paper and digitally. Johnston said standardized tests are a needed and necessary evil; she believes colleges need a benchmark when considering students. Michael Sibley, a spokesman for the state Department of Education, said no new changes will impact Alabama in the upcoming school year. Alabama students typically score lower than the national average on the exam, especially after enduring the COVID-19 pandemic. The Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama noted an increase overall in ACT scores in 2023 from the previous year. Cant see the table? Check out the ACT graphic here. While Auburn University and the University of Alabama dont require an ACT score to apply, on average incoming students last year scored 26. The University of South Alabama has closed its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office in response to a new law that has shuttered DEI offices and programs across the state. The university is the sixth state college to close its DEI division since Gov. Kay Ivey passed a law banning state-funded DEI offices, trainings and the teaching of so-called divisive concepts this spring. The law goes into effect on Oct. 1. USA spokesman Lance Crawford told AL.com Monday afternoon that two staff positions will be eliminated as a result of the new law. It is currently unclear whether others will be reassigned. While the new law alters our organizational structure and approach to some programming, it does not diminish our commitment to academic freedom or to supporting a culture of belonging and respect, USA President Jo Bonner wrote in a letter to students and staff on Aug. 2. In addition, we will use this moment to expand our engagement efforts on campus throughout the community and across the region through volunteerism, service learning and community-based research. USA Vice President Joel Lewis Billingsley, who previously oversaw diversity efforts on campus, will continue to lead the Office of Community Engagement. The DEI office provided educational and cultural programming and worked to improve minority student retention and graduation rates, as well as faculty and staff retention, according to university documents. The college has a student population that is 61% white, 21% Black, 5% Hispanic and 4% Asian. Jacksonville State University, UA System campuses and Auburn University also dissolved their DEI departments this summer. Some have formed new offices focused on access and engagement, while others have reassigned staff elsewhere. According to the colleges response to a 2022 legislative inquiry, USA employed one part-time and two full-time coordinators to staff its Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, as well as two student assistants and a part-time secretary. It is unclear which of those positions are being cut, but impacted employees will be encouraged to apply for open positions, Crawford said. The university appears to have already deleted a webpage for the office. In his letter, Bonner said the university will still work to support retention efforts and research aimed at underserved groups, but it remains unclear which, if any, services will be impacted. Ive had the honor of speaking with incoming students and their families throughout the summer during Southbound orientation. Our new Jaguars bring with them many different experiences and backgrounds yet a shared goal to create opportunities for themselves and their communities with a degree from the University of South Alabama, he wrote. To help them get there is the Universitys highest responsibility and privilege. As a comprehensive research university that also has an academic health system, we will continue to foster a supportive environment in all we do and reaffirm our commitment to advancing education that addresses health disparities and improves outcomes for all. The university also has renamed its Multicultural Leadership Center, which opened in 2022, to the University Leadership Center, according to a spokesman. The center, which employed four staff members, supported several student organizations as well as mentoring and leadership programs aimed at improving minority student retention. Bonner said Billingsley and the universitys government liaison have been meeting with students and staff to work through concerns. I remain grateful to all who have helped in this transition and confident in the success we will achieve by taking deliberate action to engage, educate and advance as the Flagship of the Gulf Coast, he wrote. This story was updated to reflect that two staff positions will be eliminated. Hezbollah launches rockets at Israel as conflicts escalate 13:19, August 05, 2024 By Zhao Yusha ( Global Times A photo taken from a position in southern Lebanon, close to the border with Israel shows smoke billowing from the site of a rocket fired from the Lebanese side towards the Israeli village of Metullah on August 3, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. Photo: VCG The likelihood of conflicts spilling over in the Middle East continues to rise as Hezbollah said on Sunday it had launched dozens of Katyusha rockets at Israel with Iran reportedly expected to attack Israel as early as Monday. A potential direct confrontation between Iran and Israel has emerged as the most significant manifestation of the spillover effects of the Palestine-Israel conflict, yet given Iran's domestic and international situation, an all-out war with Israel seems unlikely, said experts. Three US and Israeli officials told US media Axios that they expect Iran to attack Israel as early as Monday. Iranian and Hezbollah officials have vowed to retaliate for the assassinations of Hezbollah's top military commander Fuad Shukr and Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh. Experts expect any Iranian retaliation could potentially be larger in scope than the one in April as it could also involve Hezbollah. Hezbollah said Sunday it had launched dozens of Katyusha rockets at northern Israel in response to Israel's attacks on southern Lebanon, according to Lebanon's Al Manar TV. A potential direct confrontation between Iran and Israel has emerged as a pivotal manifestation of the spillover effects of the longstanding Palestine-Israel conflict in the region, Liu Zhongmin, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times. Liu said that there is a risk of the conflict spreading beyond the borders of Israel and Palestine, potentially leading to a larger war in the Middle East. Several countries, including the US and UK, urged their citizens to leave Lebanon while commercial transportation options are still available, amid fears that conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah could escalate, media reported. Although the assassination of Haniyeh on Iran's soil is a blatant provocation to Tehran and will trigger Iran's fierce fightback, given Iran's current domestic and international situation, it's unlikely that an all-out war will break out between Iran and Israel, Liu said. The US is boosting its forces in the Middle East in preparation for a possible Iranian attack against Israel and sending more warships and fighter jets to the region, the Pentagon said on Friday, according to Axios. Wang Jin, an associate professor at the Institute of Middle Eastern Studies of Northwest University, told the Global Times that the US military deployment is adding fuel to the fire. "What should be done now is mediation and coordination, especially persuading Israel not to take such extreme actions. The US should do more than just send troops, it should engage deeply and fulfill its obligations in the Middle East," Wang told Global Times. (Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun) Recent state test results revealed that many Alabama elementary school students need help with math skills. Fewer than half of third through fifth graders were proficient in math. This trend isnt new, but Alabama schools are paying more attention to math instruction and trying to help students boost their skills before they get to crucial middle and high school years. As a new school year gets underway, parents can ask teachers and principals some key questions to assess math instruction. And they may need to be prepared to ask for extra support if a student starts to fall behind. Why is math important in elementary school? Learning foundational elementary math - which includes addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals, fractions as well as other concepts - is essential to doing well in middle school math and beyond, experts say. Alabamas Numeracy Act, passed in 2022, adds teacher support, standardized instructional materials, regular testing throughout the school year and required interventions for students. Schools have specific instructions about how to teach math to elementary students, but parents should be on the lookout for certain things required through the Numeracy Act. Click here if youre unable to see the chart below showing Alabamas elementary and middle school math test scores over the past decade. Know how much time your child spends learning math Parents and families children in kindergarten through fifth grade can expect to see students spend more time than in previous years learning numbers, counting and learning basic counting skills. All kindergarten through fifth grade students are required to have math for at least 60 minutes a day. The law doesnt specify that all 60 minutes have to be in one session, but the total number of minutes must be 60. Every day of school. You can also ask teachers how they are helping your student learn fluency, procedural skills, conceptual understanding, and different types of practice and adaptation. Know which tests your child will take to identify a math deficiency and measure progress All elementary students must be screened for math deficiencies. If a student shows a math deficiency, teachers must immediately provide extra support. Your childs math teacher should be able to tell you what type of screener or test will be used. Additionally, students will be tested throughout the school year (beyond the annual spring test) to determine if theyre making expected progress. Again, your childs teacher should be able to tell you which tests theyre using and how often your child will be tested. Know if your child is making progress Parents will receive report cards showing how their child is doing in math. And if your child shows a deficiency in math, teachers have to provide extra support, and they have to tell you about that extra support alongside the regular report card. Know what your child is supposed to learn in math at each grade level Teachers might provide this information at the start of the school year to give you a heads up on what your child will learn in math this year. Heres a quick look at some of the things your child might learn at each grade level, prepared by the state Office for Mathematics Improvement. Alabama adopted its most recent set of math standards in 2019. The standards are broken down by grade level and all schools are required to teach those standards. Heres a link to the 2019 math standards. Schools have permission to teach above and beyond whats in the standards, but they must at a minimum teach the standards. All schools can choose from among state-approved textbooks and curricular materials to teach math - and can use additional materials as needed. However, if your child is in a school in the lowest 10% of academic achievement, elementary teachers must use one of the curricula approved by a state task force. Ask your childs teacher what materials theyll use to teach your child math. Know how your childs teacher will provide extra support when needed If your child is identified with a math deficiency - found through testing and other screeners - the teacher must provide additional support through what the law calls interventions. The state math task force recommends schools use one of three types of intervention curricula, but schools dont have to use one of the three types. If you get a notice that your child will receive additional support in math, find out how that additional support will be provided. Summer math camp might be in your future Near the end of the school year, teachers will determine which students should go to summer math camp for additional help. All school districts have to offer summer math camp for elementary students. Summer math camp is taught by highly effective teachers. For kindergarten through third graders, math is taught alongside reading. For fourth and fifth graders, camp is focused on math. If youre interested in the nuts and bolts of the Numeracy Act at the state level, the Office of Mathematics Improvement has a webpage outlining their work. Hurricane Debby made landfall in Florida on Monday morning and continued to track inland while weakening to a tropical storm on Monday afternoon. The National Hurricane Center said Debby, the second hurricane of 2024 in the Atlantic, moved onshore around 6 a.m. CDT Monday near Steinhatchee, Fla., in the Big Bend region. The hurricane center estimated Debbys winds to be around 80 mph at the time of landfall. GeoColor imagery via @NOAA's #GOESEast shows #HurricaneDebby making landfall near Steinhatchee, Florida, in the state's Big Bend region. #Debby, a Category 1 storm, is expected to bring dangerous storm surge and flooding to the southeastern U.S. Latest: pic.twitter.com/NuO50vkL4h NOAA Satellites (@NOAASatellites) August 5, 2024 Debby could produce historic rainfall to parts of the Southeast through the rest of this week, according to forecasters. Debby continued to move inland on Monday. As of 4 p.m. CDT Monday, the center of Tropical Storm Debby was located about 30 miles east of Valdosta, Ga., and was moving northeast at 6 mph. Debbys winds had fallen to 50 mph as of Monday afternoon, the hurricane center said. The hurricane center said on its forecast track the center of Debby should move across southeastern Georgia tonight and Tuesday, move offshore of the South Carolina coast by late Tuesday and Wednesday and approach the South Carolina coast on Thursday. Debby could drop 10 to 20 inches of rain on parts of the Southeast through Saturday, and the hurricane center warned of potentially catastrophic flooding if those forecasts verify. Here are the ongoing warnings for Debby: * A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the Georgia and South Carolina coasts 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 South Carolina and North Carolina coast from north of the South Santee River to Cape Fear, N.C. * A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect from St. Augustine, Fla., northward to the South Santee River in South Carolina. * A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect from north of the South Santee River, S.C., to Cape Fear, N.C. Alabama has good burgers, yall. Like, really good. Juicy, smoky, delicious up and down the state, worth the drive wherever youre coming from to wherever youre going. Weve sampled the best of the best for years now at AL.com, and frankly, it might take a little more research to determine once and for all which burger is the absolute best in our state. But until then, we can throw 10 beef patties into the mix that more than get the job done. When you think burger, these magically appear in your head, and just one may not do the trick. This list is not conclusive in the sense that Im throwing down any gauntlet. Instead, with the help of some of my colleagues, Im celebrating a handful of the finest Alabama has to offer in this particular department. (Also: I admit a minor Tuscaloosa bias in this round. Not that these burgers out-beef your favorite in Jasper, Oneonta, Decatur, Rainbow City or wherever you prefer yours.) The Avenue Pub Bacon Burger: An 8-ounce hand-patted fresh-ground beef topped with cheese and bacon and served with mixed greens, red onion and mayo for $16. (Ben Flanagan / AL.com) Avenue Pub 2230 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa; 1491 Northbank Pkwy, Tuscaloosa; and 4575 South Wilson Blvd., Orange Beach. www.avepub.com Shortly after this downtown eatery opened in 2014, they threw down the gauntlet as one of Tuscaloosas best new burgers. The Pubs Bacon Burger is hand-patted with fresh ground beef, topped with cheese and bacon, served with greens, red onion and mayo for $16. It is a thick and juicy burger many consider the best in the city (and the state, in fact). The business recently relocated to a beautifully renovated space around the corner from the first Temerson Square location, at 2230 University Blvd. (formerly Mellow Mushroom). Theres also a location across the Black Warrior River and one down in Orange Beach. Check this one off your Alabama burger bucket list. Burgers are ready to be served at Callaghan's Irish Social Club in Mobile.(AL.com file photo/Sharon Steinmann) Callaghans Irish Social Club Corner of Marine and Charleston streets, callaghansirishsocialclub.com Open now for eight decades, Callaghans was a private club before it evolved into an iconic Mobile restaurant, bar and music venue. AL.coms Michelle Matthews wrote the atmosphere feels pulled from the old sitcom Cheers where there is great familiarity among the clientele, not to mention photos and other memorabilia in honor of Ireland. But the main attraction for our purposes? The Callaghans Cheeseburger served on a large kaiser roll with red onion, tomatoes and lettuce, and a pickle spear alongside. Pro tip from Matthews: Get it with chips and order a side of French onion dip. The Chez FonFon burger. Chez Fonfon was one of three places food writer David Holloway stopped by in the Birmingham area for AL.com's 2014 edition of Alabama's Best Cheeseburgers, Thursday, June 12, 2014. (Tamika Moore/tmoore@al.com) Chez Fonfon 2007 11th Ave. South in Birmingham. fonfonbham.com. Much celebrated and highly decorated, the Hamburger Fonfon at Chez Fonfon is the work of James Beard Award-winning restaurateurs Frank and Pardis Stitt. The Cadillac of cheeseburgers, AL.coms Bob Carlton writes. The Hamburger Fonfon features a grass-fed, house-ground Heritage Beef patty that is slightly seasoned with salt and pepper, lightly brushed with a little olive oil and cooked medium or medium-rare over an open-flame grill. The burger is also topped with melted Comte, a French alpine cheese similar to Swiss Gruyere, and served on a toasted Brioche bun that is dressed with grilled red onions, a leaf of Romaine lettuce, bread-and-butter pickles, and (when in season) an heirloom tomato slice. And why not toss in those crispy pommes frites for some elite accompaniment? RELATED: An ode to Alabamas most celebrated burger The Essential Burger at The Essential in Birmingham, Ala., features a grass-fed beef patty served with lettuce, American cheese and Russian dressing on a brioche bun.(Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com) The Essential 2018 Morris Ave. in Birmingham. essentialbham.com. AL.coms Bob Carlton writes that co-owners Kristen Hall and Victor Kings casual neighborhood cafe on Morris Avenue has elevated the Birmingham dining scene with their spins on pastas, proteins and pastries. But theyre in on the citys burger beat, too. The Essential Burger is an inspired and enhanced reinvention of the McDonalds Big Mac, with an 8-ounce, grass-fed Bear Creek Farm beef patty, melted American cheese, charred onions, pickles, shredded lettuce, house-made Russian dressing, and a smear of Dijonnaise served on a sesame-seed Brioche bun that is delivered fresh from Hall and Kings neighboring bakery, Bandit Patisserie, Carlton writes, aptly calling it the essential Birmingham burger. Hooligans Restaurant has two locations in Tuscaloosa: 515 15th Street and 1351 McFarland Boulevard North East #112. (Ben Flanagan / AL.com) Hooligans 515 15th Street, 1351 McFarland Boulevard NE #112 (Tuscaloosa) Self-described as an eatery that serves American dishes with a Mediterranean flair, Hooligans opened the downtown location in 1998 before moving to 15th Street in 2021. While you cant go wrong with a classic gyro, chicken spud, falafel plate, Greek salad or pita bread and hummus (not to mention the local favorite mint tea) at this longtime staple, sometimes you just need a cheeseburger, and theres nothing like grabbing a basket with the paprika-dusted fries and a cold Dr. Pepper. All burgers are dressed with mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomato and a pickle on a bun. And trust me. Get the double. A burger and fries at J&J Grocery & Deli in Bessemer, Ala.(Tamika Moore/tmoore@al.com) J&J Grocery & Deli in Bessemer 8169 Dickey Springs Road, Bessemer. facebook.com/jjgroceryanddeli The country store-/burger joint is a Bessemer institution thanks to what AL.coms Bob Carlton calls one of the best cheeseburgers around. Longtime owner Allison Coker -- who bought the business in 1998 from previous owners Joe and Juanita McClanahan, the J&J in the stores name -- loves customers and often celebrates first-timers by blasting a bullhorn. You wont mess up with their mushroom-and-Swiss burger, the chili-cheeseburger, or even the jalapeno-and-bacon cheeseburger. But Carlton says this is an easy call: The old-fashioned cheeseburger, which is topped with a slice of American cheese and served all the way with lettuce, tomato, pickles and diced onions. RELATED: The little country store with one of the best burgers in Alabama The classic cheeseburger at Oasis Bar and Grille in Cottondale, Ala.(Ben Flanagan/bflanagan@al.com) Oasis Bar & Grill 6720 University Blvd. East, Tuscaloosa AL.coms Dave Holloway put it best writing about these two all-beef patties topped with American cheese on a buttered bun at the dive bar/burger joint in on U.S 11 in Tuscaloosas Cottondale community (open since 1958): It is a massive, double slab of goodness that is a testament to the way things used to be. A true old-school, roadhouse burger that draws locals and travelers alike for a taste of true Americana. What to order: Double Cheeseburger. The Bulgogi Burger from Peppered Pig. (Matt Wake/mwake@al.com) Peppered Pig 1305 Four Mile Post Road S.E., Huntsville, pepperedpig.net Married couple Shawn and Lacy Duvall spent 10 years working from inside their South Huntsville food trailer, Peppered Pig, before finding a Jones Valley brick-and-mortar location. And theyre more than burgers. AL.coms Matt Wake considers other Peppered Pig essentials like their knuckle sandwich (house-roasted roast beef, pesto, fried-onion, tomato, provolone). But he singles out the Bulgogi Burger as the go-to: Korean barbecue sauce marinated burger, topped with fried sesame sushi cake, with kimchi, garlic mayo and grilled scallions on a soft-yet-stable ciabatta bun, Wake writes. Flavor and texture for days. Im smiling now just thinking about it. READ: Huntsvilles next great burger place is already here The Purveyor burger at Huntsville restaurant Purveyor. (Matt Wake/mwake@al.com) Purveyor 201 Jefferson St. N., churchstreetfamily.com/restaurants/purveyor On the pricier side, Purveyor Burger -- made from a blend of posh Wagyu and ribeye -- is worth it. Ive never had a burger melt in my mouth like that, writes AL.coms Matt Wake. Rich and succulent. 3D natural flavor. The tasteful/subtle fixings include truffle aioli, Bibb lettuce, heirloom tomato and onions. Soft buttery roll. Youll find Purveyor in downtown Huntsville in the upscale but warm eatery with dimmed lighting, exposed brick, and tufted booths. Wakes right: Keep it simple with the Purveyor Burger (but they also make a mean steak). READ: Heres what the most expensive hamburger in Huntsville tastes like Vicki's Lunch Van in Montgomery won AL.com's 2014 contest for Alabama's Best Cheeseburger.(Ben Flanagan | bflanagan@AL.com) Vickis Lunch Van in Montgomery 106 Coliseum Blvd., Montgomery. facebook.com/vickislunchvanllc Our old pal and brilliant food writer David Holloway once traveled the state in search of Alabamas Best Cheeseburger, when he selected Vickis Lunch Van as his No. 1 pick. Vicki Lammon started her business in a food trailer in 2003 before opening a brick-and-mortar store when she moved into what had been an old Burger Chef. The Vickis cheeseburger is grilled, savory perfection. As David wrote, is a marvelously prepared burger with lots of flavor. I can attest. It was just after 10 a.m. when a woman dressed in a nightgown knocked at the Mathis house next door to hers on Montgomerys Gilmer Avenue. Her appearance was alarming because, in 1943, people werent seen in public in their nightclothes. What the woman said was more shocking: Come quick, Mr. Mathis. Dave is bleeding to death. The attractive redhead at the door was Kathryn Lawrence Holloway, who had married local insurance agent David A. Holloway eight short months before and moved into the beautiful Tudor-style home on Gilmer. The July 12 edition of The Montgomery Advertiser would report what Peyton Mathis saw when he entered the Holloway home: The whole room, he said, was spattered with blood. The bed was drenched with it, he said, and the former insurance mans body bore the marks of countless blows. It was covered, he said, with bruises and abrasions from his knees to his forehead. The same article quoted then-Coroner M.B. Kirkpatrick: It was a plain case of murder. This man was mercilessly beaten to death. The weapon the long, wooden handle of a feather duster was found in a closet in the house with blood and hair on it. Kirkpatrick counted more than 150 wounds on the body. But who killed Dave Holloway? The so-called feather duster murder bears similarities to the infamous case of Lizzie Borden, who was acquitted of murdering her father and stepmother with an ax in 1892: Both Lizzie and Kathryn Holloway were the only known people in the house with the victim/s at the time of the murders. Both women had red hair. In both cases, the murders were brutal and extremely bloody but neither Lizzie nor Kathryn Holloway had blood on her clothes when she went for help. Both women were the only suspects in the crimes. Both women were acquitted. No one else was ever accused or tried in either murder case. The trial of Kathryn Holloway Kathryn Lawrence Holloway also spelled Catherine and Katherine in various newspaper accounts married 55-year-old David Holloway in November 1942. People remarked on the age difference: Kathryn was reported as being 33 years old in numerous early accounts of the murder, but she was determined at trial to be 41 years old. She was described repeatedly as an attractive or comely redhead but no photos of her appeared in newspaper accounts that were readily searchable online. Author Kathryn Tucker Windham in her later years. She died in 2011. The trial was covered by one of Alabamas first female crime reporters, who would become a beloved storyteller and author of Alabama legends and lore: the late Kathryn Tucker Windham. Under her maiden name, Kathryn Tucker, she wrote stories about the trial for The Alabama Journal, a Montgomery newspaper in the 1940s. In Windhams memoir, Odd-Egg Editor, she wrote: The most sensational murder I covered for the Journal was what was commonly referred to as the feather duster murder case. I was on vacation when Dave A. Holloway, widely known Montgomery insurance salesman and businessman, was found murdered in his Gilmer Avenue home but I returned in time to cover the trial of his wife, Kathryn Lawrence Holloway, who was charged with the crime. "Odd-Egg Editor" is a memoir by Kathryn Tucker Windham, an Alabama journalist, author and storyteller.Kelly Kazek Crimes were handled differently then: Based on her statements, Mrs. Holloway was charged and placed in jail to await her fate, but the trial was scheduled within only a few days rather than the years often required today. The trial was held on July 21 and July 22, 1943, only ten days after Holloways battered, bloody, nude body was found on the sleeping porch of his home, Windham wrote in her 2006 memoir. Sensibilities were also different in 1943 and Windham did not publish the sordid details of Kathryn Holloways testimony for her reading audience. Because of the extremely personal and sordid nature of the testimony, the courtroom was cleared of spectators during part of the time she was on the stand, she wrote in her book. I was permitted to stay and listen. According to the 2000 book by Wesley Phillip Newton, Montgomery in the Good War: Portrait of a Southern City, the testimony included Kathryn Holloways accusations that her drunken husband physically abused her. Windham didnt report the details in the paper but wrote in her book: It was an ugly story the red-haired defendant told, yet she told it convincingly with a touch of dignity. At times she appeared embarrassed and lowered her eyes as she told of the happenings at the Holloway home the night of July 10 and the early morning hours of July 11. In her book, however, Windham quoted some of Kathryn Holloways testimony: He threw me on the floor and jabbed me with the stick, she told the jury. The couple tussled over possession of the stick until she finally gained possession of it and hit him several times. The battle for the stick continued, with brief lulls in the action, both upstairs and down, the defendant testified A 1943 article in the Alabama Journal by Katheryn Tucker tells of the so-called "feather duster murder" in Montgomery, Ala.Alabama Journal Some facts of the case reported in newspapers at the time: Kathryn Holloway had recently filed for divorce and the couple was living separately at the time of the murder. She was living in a home on Alabama Street but came to spend the night on Gilmer Avenue at the request of her husband. Stained and torn mens pajamas were found inside the house and admitted into evidence, although the type of stain was never confirmed. Also found at the scene were, a nightgown bearing dark spots, a stained bathrobe, stained stockings and stained bath cloth and towel. Kathryn Holloway gave two statements upon her arrest, but neither was admitted at trial. She testified that although she and her husband did fight, he was fine when she saw him last on the night of July 10. Windham reported Holloways testimony in a July 22 article in the Journal: He was standing in the door between the dressing room and the sleeping porch when I left, she said. There was no blood anywhere. Windham then described the suspects response when her defense attorney asked if shed killed her husband. I did not, she replied in a firm steady voice. She looked directly into the eyes of the 12 men who would decide her fate, Windham wrote. Kathryn Holloway testified that after their fight, she left the house at the request of her husband to pick up some of her clothes from the house on Alabama Street. When she returned to Gilmer Avenue, she went straight upstairs to bed and never looked on the downstairs sleeping porch. The next morning, she testified, she came downstairs and found her husband bleeding. Windham wrote in her memoir: she went downstairs, where she found Holloway lying in bed on the sleeping porch with blood coming from his nose. She tried to wash the blood away, she recounted, and she begged her husband to speak to her. When he failed to respond, she ran next door, still in her night dress, for help. In Holloways testimony, she said: I think he came to his death by hemorrhage but I dont know how he met death. But Montgomery Chief of Detectives Paul Rapport had been quoted in a July 12, 1943, article in the Montgomery Advertiser: None of the wounds was enough to kill a man, Chief Rapport said, but there were enough of them to kill a mule. Police Chief Ralph King also told the newspaper that someone had made an attempt to clean up some of the blood. The jury deliberated for 95 minutes before acquitting her. Windham wrote that she was pale and expressionless but that spectators burst into applause. The former Mrs. Holloway reportedly moved to Florida where her family lived but her fate is unclear. A July 28 article in the Montgomery Advertiser reported that Dave Holloways daughters, one married and one a minor, where the sole beneficiaries of his will. Kathryn Holloway received nothing. More than 80 years later, the case remains unsolved. David Lynch, the iconic screenwriter and director behind surrealist staples Twin Peaks and Eraserhead, has been diagnosed with emphysema and he says it has taken a toll on his ability to direct. The 78-year-old filmmaker, artist and musician revealed in a recent interview that he has gotten emphysema from smoking so long during his life. He told Sight and Sound magazine in a cover story published Monday that as a result, Im homebound whether I like it nor not. It would be very bad for me to get sick, Lynch told the magazine, according to the Independent. Ladies and Gentlemen, Yes, I have emphysema from my many years of smoking. I have to say that I enjoyed smoking very much, and I do love tobacco - the smell of it, lighting cigarettes on fire, smoking them - but there is a price to pay for this enjoyment, and the price for me is David Lynch (@DAVID_LYNCH) August 5, 2024 Lynch earned mainstream notoriety in the late 1980s and early 90s with projects including the iconic TV series Twin Peaks and films Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive, but in recent years he has turned his attention to shorter projects including music videos, his daily weather reports and the Netflix short What Did Jack Do? especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The director, who received an honorary Oscar in 2019, said he is cautious about his health as COVID-19 (which affects the respiratory system) continues to linger. Nearly 20 years after his last feature film (2006s Inland Empire), Lynch said his health is now a factor in whether he will pursue a new project and how he will go about doing so. I would do it remotely if it comes to it, he said. I wouldnt like that so much. Emphysema is a lung condition that causes shortness of breath and is caused by long-term exposure to airborne irritants including tobacco smoke, according to the Mayo Clinic. People who have emphysema also are likely to develop heart problems, a collapsed lung and large empty spaces or bullae in the lungs. Lynch also is known for the 1980 film The Elephant Man, his divisive 1984 adaptation of Frank Herberts sci-fi epic Dune and Twin Peaks: The Return, Showtimes 2017 revival of his and co-creator Mark Frosts series starring Kyle MacLachlan. _______ 2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Alma Cooper, Miss Michigan USA, was named Miss USA 2024 on Sunday night at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. At the pageant, which was televised by The CW, Cooper received her crown from Miss USA 2023, Savannah Gankiewicz. Gankiewicz, the first runner-up for Miss USA last year, took over the title when Noelia Voigt resigned as Miss USA in May, citing mental health concerns. Cooper is a second lieutenant and military intelligence officer in the U.S. Army, according to her bio on the Miss USA website. She graduated from the United States Military Academy and is working on a masters degree in data science at Stanford University. She is passionate about addressing food insecurity in our country, and globally, Coopers Miss USA bio says. Her ultimate goal is to make healthy foods available to all people. Almas life motto is Demand Excellence, which she inherited from her parents who forged a path toward their American dream. As Miss USA 2024, Cooper will move on to compete in the Miss Universe pageant later this year. Alma Cooper, Miss USA 2024, competed in the pageant as Miss Michigan USA. Cooper appeared in swimsuit and evening gown events, and answered an on-stage question for the judges, before winning the crown.(Photos by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images) Cooper bested 50 other contestants for the Miss USA title, including Miss Alabama USA 2024, Diane Westhoven. Westhoven won the state title in June, competing as Miss Southern Plains. Westhoven, from Vestavia Hills, attends Auburn University and is studying to become a physician assistant. All contestants for Miss USA are the winners of pageants held earlier this year. READ: Miss Alabama USA 2024: Miss Southern Plains wins the crown Westhoven wasnt among the top 20 contestants announced on Sunday, so she didnt have a chance to compete in the televised swimsuit and evening gown competitions or answer a question on camera for the judges. (Miss USA doesnt have a talent competition.) Earlier this week, however, Westhoven competed in a preliminary competition for Miss USA and participated in other pageant events. The number of finalists was trimmed to a top 10, then to a top five before the winner was announced. The top five finalists were: Alma Cooper, Miss Michigan USA (winner). Connor Perry, Miss Kentucky USA (first runner-up). Danika Christopherson, Miss Oklahoma USA (second runner-up). Christell Foote, Miss Tennessee USA (third runner-up). Macy Hudson, Miss Ohio USA (fourth runner-up). Cooper begins a yearlong reign as Miss USA. If she becomes the new Miss Universe, Cooper will cede the Miss USA title to Perry, the first runner-up. Finals for a companion pageant, Miss Teen USA, were held on Thursday, also at the Peacock Theater. Addie Carver, who competed as Miss Mississippi Teen USA, was the winner of Miss Teen USA 2024. 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) 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, who had a short reign as Miss USA for about three months. 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. The Miss USA and Miss Teen USA 2024 pageants proceeded in Los Angeles as planned, and the controversy wasnt mentioned during Sundays broadcast. Voigt expressed support for the contestants this week via Instagram videos, offering them tips for staying calm and confident during the competition. Judges for the Miss USA 2024 pageant were Anastasia Soare, Carole Gist, Lu Parker, Natasha Graziano, Scheana Shay, NJ Falk and Jojo Bragais. Hosts for the show were Keltie Knight and Garcelle Beauvais. A Parrish woman is suing Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith and two others claiming her advocacy for Tony Mitchell and for better jail conditions led to her firing. Kayse Brown worked as a certified recovery specialist at the Recovery Resource Center, a United Way Agency that worked with the Walker County Jail to aid those struggling with addiction. Mitchell, 33, died Jan. 26, 2023, at Walker Baptist Medical Center, just over two weeks after he was arrested on charges that he shot at Walker County deputies as they responded to a welfare check requested by his family. The county coroners death certificate listed Mitchells manner of death as homicide and listed the causes as hypothermia and sepsis resulting from infected injuries obtained during incarceration and medical neglect. A former jailer last week was charged, and signed an agreement to plead guilty, in Mitchells death. More arrests are expected. After Mitchells death, Brown launched the Justice for Tony Mitchell Facebook page. She was fired May 8, 2023, and claims her termination was retaliation and a violation of her freedom of her freedom of speech. The federal lawsuit names as defendants Smith, Investigator Carl Carpenter and jail administrator Justin White. The defendants have not commented on the lawsuit. Anthony "Tony" Mitchell (Facebook-Justice for Tony Mitchell) According to the suit, Brown was hired by the center in 2021. After Mitchells death, she began to advocate for transparency and better jail conditions. On March 6, 2023, the lawsuit states, Carpenter sent a text to the centers director, John Bayles, sharing Facebook posts by Brown regarding Mitchell and the jail. The following day, Brown claims, the director discussed the situation with her and told her to be careful, and that the sheriff didnt like her advocacy for Mitchell. White, the suit states, also wrote to Browns employer, saying Browns advocacy was threatening her employers relationship with the jail. Bayles told Brown that he was told by a jail representative that that they know how valuable the RRC is, but that its gotten really hard to separate it from her advocacy regarding Tony Mitchells death. The representative said that the bridges arent burned, but they seem to be smoldering and they would appreciate [his] help putting it out on his side, the suit states. Bayles told Brown that the reality of the situation is that her advocacy regarding Mitchells death was jeopardizing the Recovery Resource Centers ability to help people, according to the lawsuit. Brown was fired May 8, 2023. When asked why she was fired, her employers told her they had a complaint from the Partner Community. Following her termination, the lawsuit claims, White and Carpenter gathered the female jail employees to make them aware of Browns firing and told them not to trust. The suit also alleges that inmates had frequent called Browns cell phone to report jail conditions but that inmates were blocked from doing so further. An Alabama Death Row inmate set to die next month by suffocating on nitrogen gas has settled his case with the state prison system. Alan Miller, 59,is set to die on Sept. 26 at William C. Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore. The prison is the only facility in the state with an execution chamber and is where most death row inmates are housed. In a filing on Monday, Millers lawyers said they had entered into a confidential settlement agreement with the Alabama Department of Corrections and other state officials. They asked the lawsuit be dismissed. The execution, if it goes off as scheduled, would be just the second execution using nitrogen hypoxia in the country. The first was also done in Alabama, when the state put Kenneth Smith to death in January. A prison spokesperson told AL.com that the execution is still scheduled for next month. Everything is still set to proceed barring any additional legal barriers, said Kelly Betts. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall issued a statement Monday afternoon about the settlement. The resolution of this case confirms that Alabamas nitrogen hypoxia system is reliable and humane, Marshall said. Millers complaint was based on media speculation that Kenneth Smith suffered cruel and unusual punishment in the January 2024 execution, but what the State demonstrated to Millers legal team undermined that false narrative. Millers execution will go forward as planned in September. Controversy followed Smiths execution, after Smith thrashed and exhibited seizure-like movements in the minutes before he lost consciousness. State officials have argued that Smith held his breath at the beginning of his execution, delaying the nitrogen entering his body. But Millers lawyers argued that the state doesnt offer any proof for their claims and the state hang(s) their hat exclusively on the self-serving testimony of a witness who claims to have remembered Mr. Smiths oxygen levels nearly seven months after the execution. The execution team captain didnt write down those oxygen levels, according to Millers lawyers, nor tell anyone about them on the night of the execution. In fact, evidence in the record suggest that the witness could not even see the levels from his position in the execution chamber, and the execution log from Mr. Smiths execution undercuts (the states) entire argument, said the filing. In a deposition earlier this summer, Miller said he has no intention of holding his breath or resisting his execution, but hes worried the state will fail at securing his gas mask because theyre incompetent. I dont think yall know what youre doing, Miller told a state attorney during the deposition. And these guys cant even open a cell door sometimes. Theyre keystone cops is basically what they are. In an earlier filing in federal court, Millers attorneys said Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshalls office and its deputy, James Houts, are responsible for training the execution team on how to carry out a nitrogen hypoxia execution. Miller said hes open to having the gas mask fitted to his face prior to his September execution, but only if a doctor, medical professional or third party appointed by a federal judge does the fitting. The settlement agreement comes just one day before the court was set to hold a hearing in-person at the downtown Montgomery federal courthouse. Authorities are asking for the publics help in finding family members of three men who died recently in Jefferson County. Their bodies are ready to be released for burial, but the Jefferson County Coroners Office has not been able to locate and notify relatives. Matthew Lee Gilmer, 37, was found dead July 26. Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates said Gilmer was homeless and found unresponsive under the Elton B. Stephens Expressway bridge at 4:41 p.m. that Friday. He was pronounced dead on the scene. The cause of death is pending but Yates said there was no evidence of trauma or foul play. Gilmers last known address was in the 100 block of 14th Street North in Birmingham. He also had previous addresses in Center Point and Leeds. Lee Campbell Lewis(Jefferson County Coroner's Office) Lee Campbell Lewis, 56, died Aug. 1. He was a resident at Oak Knoll Health and Rehabilitation and under the care of Expect Care Hospice. He died of natural causes. Yates said Lewis is believed to originally be from Longview, Texas. He has past addresses Pelham, Hoover, Alabaster, Vestavia, Ashville, Shelby, Indian Springs, Wilsonville, and Harpersville in Alabama, and in Nashville and Centerville, Georgia. George Alton Walker(Jefferson County Coroner's Office) George Alton Walker, 47, was found dead at 6:50 a.m. Friday, Aug. 2, in the 1800 block of Seventh Avenue North. He was discovered by Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service unresponsive on a sidewalk across from Fire Station #1. The cause of his death is pending, but Yates said there was no sign of trauma or foul play. Walker listed multiple addresses in Anniston dating back to 1998. Possible family ties were found to individuals living in numerous cities across the country, but all efforts to locate them have failed. Family members are asked to call the coroners office at 205-930-3603. The center of Hurricane Debby is expected to reach the Big Bend coast of Florida early Monday bringing potential record-setting rains, catastrophic flooding and life-threatening storm surge as it moves slowly across the northern part of the state before stalling over the coastal regions of Georgia and South Carolina. Debby was located about 60 miles (96 kilometers) northwest of Cedar Key, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph (120 kph). The storm was moving northeast at 10 mph (17 kph), the National Hurricane Center in Miami said. Forecasters warned heavy amounts of rain from Debby could spawn catastrophic flooding in Florida, South Carolina and Georgia. The storm was expected to make landfall Monday morning in the Big Bend area of Florida, north of Tampa, the hurricane center said. A tornado watch also was in effect for parts of Florida and Georgia on Monday. Right now, we are to trying secure everything from floating away, said Sheryl Horne, whose family owns the Shell Island Fish Camp along the Wakulla River in St. Marks, Florida, where some customers moved their boats inland. The sparsely populated Big Bend region in the Florida Panhandle also was hit last year by Hurricane Idalia, which made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane. I am used to storms and Im used to cleaning up after storms, Horne said. The National Weather Service in Tallahassee said Monday morning that heavy flooding was the biggest concern in the Big Bend regions, with storm surge expected across Apalachee Bay. In Marion County, which is inland and south of Gainesville, sheriffs officials noted in a Facebook post Monday that crews were responding to reports of downed power lines and trees that have fallen on roadways and homes. Debby was expected to move eastward over northern Florida and then stall over the coastal regions of Georgia and South Carolina, thrashing the region with potential record-setting rains totaling up to 30 inches (76 centimeters) beginning Tuesday. Officials also warned of life-threatening storm surge along Floridas Gulf Coast, with 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters) of inundation expected Monday between the Ochlockonee and Suwannee rivers. Theres some really amazing rainfall totals being forecast and amazing in a bad way, Michael Brennan, director of the hurricane center, said at a briefing. 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. Flooding could last through Friday and is expected to be especially severe in low-lying areas near the coast, including Savannah, Georgia; Hilton Head, South Carolina; and Charleston, South Carolina. North Carolina officials were monitoring the storms progress. Officials in Savannah said the area could see a months worth of rain in four days if the system stalls over the region. This is going to a significant storm, Savannah Mayor Van. R. Johnson said during a press conference. Debbys outer bands grazed the west coast of Florida, flooding streets and bringing power outages. Sarasota County officials said most roadways on Siesta Key, a barrier island off the coast of Sarasota, were under water. The hurricane center had predicted the system would strengthen as it curved off the southwest Florida coast, where the water has been extremely warm. At a briefing Sunday afternoon, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis warned the storm could lead to really, really significant flooding that will happen in North Central Florida. The storm would follow a similar track to Hurricane Idalia but would be much wetter. We are going to see much more inundation, he said. 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. In the Eastern Pacific, tropical storms Carlotta, Daniel and Emilia all churned over the ocean, but they werent threatening land. Residents, businesses prepare for flooding Residents in Steinhatchee, Florida, which flooded during Hurricane Idalia, spent Sunday moving items to higher ground to prepare for Debby. Ive been here 29 years. This isnt the first time Ive done it. Do you get used to it? No, Mark Reblin said as he moved items out of the liquor store he owns. Employees of Savannah Canoe and Kayak in Georgia said they were busy tying down their watercrafts, laying sandbags and raising equipment off the ground. Mayme Bouy, the store manager, said she wasnt too concerned about the forecast calling for a potential historic rain event. But we do have some high tides this week so if the rain is happening around then, that could be bad, Bouy added. Id rather play it safe than sorry. Governors declare emergencies ahead of landfall DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 61 of Floridas 67 counties, with the National Guard activating 3,000 guard members. Utility crews from in and out of state were ready to restore power after the storm, he said in a post on X. In Tampa alone, officials gave out more than 30,000 sandbags to barricade against flooding. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster made their own emergency declarations. Northeast coast also preparing for storm conditions Emergency managers in New England and New York were monitoring the path of the storm for the possibility of remnants striking their states. Northeast 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. ___ Republican Presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at his campaign rally at the Bojangles Coliseum on July 24, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The rally was the former president's first since President Joe Biden announced he would be ending his reelection bid. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images/TNS) Brandon Bell/TNS A Secret Service agents stands post in front of the stage ahead of Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaking at the National Association of Black Journalists, NABJ, convention, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) Charles Rex Arbogast/Associated Press Trumps identity politics Regarding Joy Sewings column Locals react to Trumps NABJ appearance (Aug. 1): So Trump shows a willingness to go into the proverbial lions den at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago, gets attacked right out of the gate by the interviewer, then fights back, because thats what he does. Rachel Scott, the interviewer from ABC News, attacks Trump for comments he has made about Black journalists in order to interject race into the issue. Yet Trump simply attacks any journalist, including Jim Acosta from CNN, not exactly a Black female. Trump has a contentious relationship with the press in part because they are in constant attack mode. This the same press that constantly bashes Trump, that just a few weeks ago was telling us Biden was sharp as a tack, and that is now telling us that the least popular vice president in modern times who flamed out in her first run for president is now the shinning star of the party of identity politics. Unlike Democrats, who are hyper-focused on identity politics, Trump doesnt care if you are Black or white, man or woman, gay or straight he simply cares if you are capable of getting the job done. Ben Carson, Trumps Black Housing and Urban Development secretary, was one of the few Cabinet members who lasted all four years. South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, who is Black and whom Trump praised at the NABJ event, worked with him on tax reform and on criminal justice reform. Richard Grenell, who happens to be gay, was one of Trumps favorite ambassadors and later acting director of National Intelligence, yet few knew about his sexual orientation because he didnt flaunt it as one of his qualifications. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Would Kamala Harris be willing to sit for an interview with the likes of Tucker Carlson, Jesse Waters or Brett Baier all in front of a MAGA audience? Extremely unlikely, but Ill wager a bet that shed be treated more fairly than Trump was at NABJ. Tim Graney, Katy I have noticed that former President Donald Trump does a lot of talking but rarely do I hear him listening and responding to people. Trump visited a summit hosted by a conservative advocacy group in Florida on July 26 and told them if you vote for him one last time, you will never have to vote again: Well have it fixed so good, youre not going to have to vote. I believe that if . Trump had come to our church to solicit our vote, our pastor or one of our congregation members would have asked him if he was familiar with the passage in the Bible (Matthew, Chapter 25) about Christ coming to separate the sheep (the saved) from the goats (the condemned). Based on that parable, they would have asked him the following questions: When you saw me hungry, did you give me something to eat? When you saw me thirsty, did you give me something to drink? When I was a stranger, did you welcome me? I would like to hear Trumps responses to those questions. Advertisement Article continues below this ad James A. Dunn, Houston Dont forget about the debt The U.S national debt hit $35 trillion last week, and I dont see or read or hear any news of this from journalists or politicians. Citizens should be outraged. One of the main things elected officials have to deal with is how to spend our tax dollars, and they continue to spend money we dont have, knowing full well they can retire and live in taxpayer-funded luxury, merrily kicking the debt problem down the road to the next person who gets elected. We give way too much respect to these politicians. We need to do a better job choosing those we elect to represent us. Bob Fowler, Point Blank Advertisement Article continues below this ad An Ardmore man is dead after the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said he fired shots at deputies, and they returned fire. The TBI said Jonathan Schutte, 33, died following an incident Sunday evening in Hardin County, Tenn. Deputies encountered Schutte in a parking lot in the 4700 block of Tennessee 128 South, in Savannah, Tenn. As deputies approached the vehicle, they said Schutte got out and fired his weapon. The deputies returned the fire, hitting and killing Schutte. No law enforcement officers were hurt in the incident. Their names were not released. The incident is under investigation, and findings will be shared with 24th Judicial District Attorney General Neil Thompson for further review. Florence police say an 18-year-old was killed in a two-vehicle crash Friday. The incident happened about 10:15 p.m. on Helton Drive, just north of Rickwood Road. Florence police, Florence Fire, and Lifeguard EMS responded after a motorcycle collided with a vehicle entering the roadway from Helton Court. The motorcycle operator, Jesse Christopher James, 18, from Muscle Shoals, died due to his injuries. The driver of the other vehicle, whose name was not released, was taken to North Alabama Medical Center and received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. In an announcement, Florence police expressed sympathy to the James family. Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to contact Florence police at (256) 760-6597. An Athens man died Sunday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash that also injured one person. Cpl. Reginal King of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) said the incident happened at about 4:45 p.m. on Alabama 53 near the 338-mile marker, about four miles southeast of Ardmore in Limestone County. Brandon H. Cooley, 44, was driving a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado pickup, when it collided head-on with a 2012 Chrysler 200, driven by Courtney G. Aughtman, 26, of Madison. Cooley was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash and was ejected. He was pronounced dead at the scene, King said. Aughtman was injured and airlifted to Huntsville Hospital in Huntsville for medical treatment. Troopers with ALEAs Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate. Sheffield police are looking for a man they believe was responsible for shooting and killing a 16-year-old girl last month. Police Chief Ricky Terry said an arrest warrant has been issued for Larmarion Nizer Bethany, also known as Ghost, for the murder of DeMylah Delyric Nixon-Johnson. Terry said Bethany should be considered armed and dangerous, and should not be approached. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sheffield police or local law enforcement. Nixon-Johnson was shot and killed July 24 at about 1 a.m. at 1006 S. Nashville Ave. Investigators believe the girl was not the intended target of the shooter. Police said officers arrived at the scene to find the victim lying in the grass, shot in the back between the shoulder blades. She had apparently been shot once. Her aunt, Annie Johnson, has created a GoFundMe page to raise money for her funeral expenses. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall along with 20 other state attorneys general filed a brief urging the D.C. U.S. Court of Appeals to uphold the law that would force TikToks Chinese parent company to sell the app if it cannot find an American buyer within a year. Marshall cited national security grounds as his reasoning for joining the brief. All users of TikTok must understand that every click, location, and recording is used as intelligence that we have ample reason to believe is available to the Chinese Communist Party. Americans asked for Congress to take action against this intrusion by a top foreign adversary, and Congress acted, said Marshall. We are urging the courts to uphold the lower courts decision and enforce this critical national security law. The law being challenged was passed by Congress and signed by President Biden in April. It would compel TikToks parent company, ByteDance, which has strong ties to the Chinese Communist Party, to sell the popular social media app to a U.S. firm within a year or have TikTok banned in America. TikTok is a valuable tool for conducting corporate and international espionage, and it may allow the Chinese Communist Party to track the real-time locations of public officials, journalists, and other individuals adverse to the Chinese Communist Partys interests, the attorneys generals said in the brief. Besides Marshall, the attorneys general of Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Utah also joined the brief led by Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen and Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares. Al Aqsa Flood is the name for the holy war that Hamas initiated on October 7 by butchering and kidnapping over 1500 Israelis. It is the rallying cry of the Islamic terrorist leaders and those who support their brutality. However, the image that Hamas, Iran and Irans other clients are using in branding the war the Al Aqsa Flood, is not the dark gray Al Aqsa Mosque but rather the golden Dome of the Rock shrine. The aggressive and expansive Islamic claim for dominance has spread from the Al Aqsa mosque to the entire Temple Mount platform to the City of Jerusalem and now the entire nation (from the river to the sea). The current and often recurring myth is that the Jews are somehow threatening the Al Aqsa mosque. This entire premise is a lie, and this lie is costing untold horror and devastation. Here are some key facts: Image: The Al-Aqsa mosque by Andrew Shiva. CC BY-SA 4.0. For 830 years, long before Islam became a religion, there were temples on the site where the golden-roofed Dome of the Rock now sits. The first was Solomons, or the First, Temple, which existed between the 10th and 5th centuries B.C.E., and there are detailed descriptions of the temple from this period shortly after the Bronze Age ended. The Second Temple was built on the same site 70 years after the First Temples destruction, which was more than a thousand years before Muhammeds birth. Both Jewish Temples existence is undisputed, confirmed by contemporaneous records, archeology, and the surviving Western Wall. According to Jewish tradition, the site was holy even before the temples were built, for it is on this hill that God tested Abraham with the binding of Isaac. It is also on this site that 600 years after the Roman conquest, Muslims built the Dome of the Rock. Caliph Umar was the first Muslim to control Jerusalem, conquering the city from the Byzantine Empire in the mid-630s C.E. Within 50 years of the conquest, a prayer house was erected to the south of the remaining wall of the Second Temple. The reason for the mosques location was to ensure that it was easy for Muslims to face Mecca. Also, Omar reportedly told his Jewish accomplice that he did not want to pray from the temples north side because then Muslims would have a Jewish temple site between them and their prayers to Mecca. The famous golden Dome of the Rock that now sits where the First and Second Temples were once is not a mosque. It is a shrine that Caliph Abd al-Malik originally built in 685. It sits more than 200 meters (656 feet) north of the Al-Aqsa mosque, where Muslims pray. In 705 C.E., Caliph Al Walid replaced Omars modest Al-Aqsa mosque with the current plain, dark structure to commemorate the Muslim tradition of Muhammeds night journey. This tradition holds that he departed from the farthest mosque on a winged horse-like creature named El Burak. On this journey, he allegedly met Jewish and Christian biblical heroes and negotiated with Allah to reduce the Muslim prayer requirements from 50 to five times per day. While most Muslims follow the tradition that the mosque marks the site of Muhammeds departure, there are quite a number who challenge this. They allege that the actual farthest mosque was in Saudi Arabia. Theres a theory that Muslims then centered around Damascus wanted to claim Jerusalem as the location because it was within their governing authority and would increase traffic. In 1967, Israelis prevailed in the Six-Day War, regaining access to Eastern Jerusalem, in which lay their most sacred site and which Jordan had closed to them. Out of respect for Muslim traditions and in a misguided effort to try and be conciliatory to the Arab population after Israels victory, Jews allowed the Waqf, a Muslim trustee organization, to manage the Temple Mount platform, which includes both the Al Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. Unfortunately, the Waqf has been anything but a trustworthy manager. It allowed more than 400 truckloads of soil on the site, full of artifacts (coins, pottery, and more) from the first and second Jewish Temple periods of 2,000-3,000 years ago, to be dug up and dumped in the desert. It also continues to allow the imam who heads worship at Al-Aqsa to spew venomous hatred against Jews, as he did recently with a tribute to Ismail Haniyeh, the former leader of Hamas who masterminded the Al Aqsa Flood massacre. The idea that Jews on the Temple Mount are a threat to the Al-Aqsa mosque is a total lie. Its true that, someday, Jews do hope to see a third temple built on the location of the Dome of the Rockbut not where Al-Aqsa sits. Both Sephardic and Ashkenazic Chief Rabbis rule that Jews should not ascend to the Temple Mount on the grounds that Jews are not in a ritually pure enough state at this time to do so, and they might encroach on an area of holiness inadvertently. However, there are also well-respected rabbis who hold that it is permissible to ascend to the site after immersing in a mikveh (ritual bath) and staying away from the center of the Temple Mount platform. As far as the Muslim expansionist claim to Jerusalem is concerned, there has been a Jewish majority in the city since the late 1700s and a Biblical history of ownership that goes back 3000 years to the era of King David, with a continuously rising tide of incontrovertible archaeological evidence. While Jews pray for the time of the rebuilding of the Temple to arrive, the Temple was a means to express appreciation, rectify our sins, and get closer to God by building a home for Him in this world. The Temple was and will be a Temple for all the world. Jews are no threat to Al Aqsa and never have been. Using an imaginary threat to the Al Aqsa mosque as a pretext for a massacre is beyond abhorrent. As the Islamic terrorist leaders disappear, so may the lies they spread. Gary Schiff is a guide and resource consultant connecting Israel and the U.S. U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas. (Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News/TNS) Shafkat Anowar/TNS Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas., speaking on the second day of the Republican National Convention on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press In an increasingly polarized political environment, there are few races across the country this year in which the candidates are pitching bipartisanship. The U.S. Senate race between Republican Ted Cruz and Democrat Colin Allred may be one of the exceptions. In this race the first time Cruz is on the ballot since narrowly winning reelection in 2018 both candidates are touting their bipartisan accomplishments and trying to appeal to voters on either side of the aisle. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Political observers and experts say its a particularly fascinating turn of public image for Cruz, who over his 12 years in Washington developed a reputation as a hyper-partisan rabble-rouser. Cruz personally contends hes always been bipartisan and that the media just hasnt covered it, though hes previously been ranked among the most partisan senators in Congress and has launched a Democrats for Cruz group only this election cycle. Bipartisanship has been the main through line of Allreds campaign, and the Dallas congressman has released ads touting his ability to stand up to extremists in both parties. Hes been especially critical of the Biden administration this year for its handling of migrant crossings, though the vast majority of his votes have aligned with the presidents views. They are tempering their rhetoric to take what they see as an emerging potential majority in the state, said Thomas Whalen, a social sciences professor at Boston University. There are people who have had enough of all the division maybe enough that could make a critical difference in a swing vote in Texas. Whalen said the focus on bipartisanship this cycle could be a signal that Texas isnt as red as it appears to be, though Democrats havent won statewide office here in three decades. He said Cruzs shift is particularly notable and that as a political survivor with presidential aspirations, hell tailor his messaging to whichever voting bloc he believes will help him win another term. Both candidates say the others claim of bipartisanship is just a campaign tactic. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In 2023, Cruz was ranked 89th out of 98 senators for their bipartisan record, according to the Lugar Center and the Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy, which releases annual evaluations of bipartisanship in Congress and does not rank party leaders or members who have served for only a few months. Allred, out of 435 ranked House members (including nonvoting delegates), was placed at 210. In an interview, Cruz said hes always been willing to work across the aisle but that past media coverage has focused more on his big public fights than behind-the-scenes work on legislation. He said hes always viewed his role in Washington in two parts: one, to fight against bad policies that hurt Texas, whether they come from President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama or Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York. Cruz didnt mention former President Donald Trump or any Republican leaders. Second, he said he prioritizes passing pro-growth, pro-jobs legislation that often requires working with Democrats. The only thing that I think has changed has been what the press is willing to cover, Cruz said. I have long had frustrations that the only thing that gets covered is a big, bloody battle, and actual legislation that impacts Texans is incredibly difficult to get any reporters to cover. Advertisement Article continues below this ad He pointed to several laws hes helped pass with Democrats, such as legislation he co-authored in 2021 with New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand that ended long-standing policy requiring female students at military academies to withdraw from school or give up their children if they became pregnant. Cruz said hes had major legislation signed by Biden and Obama, including a proposal meant to spur commercial spaceflight. As for the Democrats for Cruz group, which includes a former Laredo mayor and the Presidio County sheriff, the senator said hes making a pitch to commonsense Democrats and commonsense Texans who are dismayed by how radical the national party has gotten. FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Ted Cruz warns Texas Republicans of tough matchup with Colin Allred When I first got to the Senate 12 years ago, there was such a thing as moderate Democrats, said Cruz, who was ranked second to last in bipartisanship during his first year in D.C., in which he led an effort to defund the Affordable Care Act that forced a government shutdown. There were people willing to come to the middle. And unfortunately, today's Democrat Party in Washington has gotten more extreme. Texas Democrats and independents disapprove of Cruzs job performance more this year than they did at this point in 2018, according to a July Morning Consult poll. Six years ago, 37% of independents and 63% of Democrats said they disapproved of Cruz. This year, thats increased to 51% and 72%, respectively. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Cruz said he hadnt seen the poll, so I don't have reason to accept that premise. But in general, he said, his approach with voters is to focus on the candidates records and the candidates vision for the state of Texas and his record is starkly divided from Allreds. Laura Blessing, a senior fellow at the Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University, said talk of bipartisanship doesnt always translate to the halls of the U.S. Capitol and that its highly dependent on lawmaking circumstances and priorities. Sen. Cruz is incentivized by a tight race to try to appeal to as many voters as possible, which has historically not been his personal brand or the kind of attention he's sought or been incentivized by, she said. As for Allred, the congressman said in an interview that hes running on a bipartisan platform because thats who I am. He pointed to his work with the Trump administration to open a new medical center for veterans in Garland and noted that Cruz voted against some of the bipartisan highlights of the Biden era, including the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which pumped money to road and bridge projects, and the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which tightened federal gun laws after the Uvalde school shooting. We should be very clear there's only one person who's actually been bipartisan who's running in this race, and it's not an election year tactic from me, said Allred, a former civil rights lawyer. I have six years of showing this. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Common Ground Committee, which scores politicians out of 110 on their ability to work across the aisle, lists Allred at 76, meaning hes more likely to work with the opposite party than not. Cruz has a 30. Its easy to forget Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, and several others principally responsible for the slaughter of nearly 3000 Americans on 9-11 have been jailed for some 24 years, awaiting trial, while multiple presidential administrations dithered. Out of sightout of the mediaout of mind. Why have they been enjoying halal meals and better living conditions than they enjoyed as terrorists perpetually on the run? Because our leaders have been, in large part, fools, determined to be better than the terrorists who murdered so many Americans, and who continue to plot to do more of the same. Some have naively believed Islamist savages will recognize and appreciate mercy. They see it only as contemptable weakness to be exploited. Weakness like this: The alleged mastermind of the Sept. 11 terror attacks and two other terrorists being held in Guantanamo Bay will be spared the death penalty under a deal with prosecutors, it was revealed Wednesday. [skip] A spokesperson for the Office of Military Commissions (OMC), which is prosecuting the case, confirmed it had entered into pre-trial agreements with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed the accused principal architect of the al Qaeda attacks and two alleged co-conspirators, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin Attash and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi, all of whom have been held at the US military prison on the coast of Cuba since 2003. Graphic: Z Screenshot Thats 21 years and now they come to a plea deal? One might almost be tempted this has something to do with the presidential election and an urgent need to pander to the American Islamist vote, which, coincidentally enough, is only a concern of the Democrat/socialist/communist (D/s/c) Party. Also coincidentally, Kamala Harris, the most leftist Senator in history, which puts her solidly in Communist territory, is the D/s/c nominee. Alas, that Islamist triumph was to be short-lived: Graphic: Legal Insurrection Screenshot of public domain document Just like that, the death penalty is back on the table, providing they dont die of old age first. Theyve been in jail so long one might be tempted to think they took some selfies in the Capital Building on January 6. Whats really going one here? Senator Ted Cruz has an idea: On Fridays Mark Levin Show, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) argued that the plea deal with the three defendants accused of involvement in the September 11 terrorist attacks, including accused plotter Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, that was reached this week and revoked on Friday by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin came about because the White House wanted Guantanamo Bay closed at all costs, just like the political mandate to pull out of Afghanistan by the anniversary of 9/11. And the deal was only rescinded because of political backlash. Cruz said, [T]hey did it because Joe Biden and Kamala Harris and the apparatchiks said, we must close Guantanamo. It was a political mandate, just like the political mandate to pull out of Afghanistan by the anniversary of 9/11. And it trumped everything else, it led to the disaster in Afghanistan. Here, theyre so close to an election, they just decided to run away. But to be clear, Kamala wants to do this, just after Election Day. Closing Guantanamo would be just the kind of thing D/s/cs think would appease Islamists and secure the Michigan/Minnesota Islamist vote. Unfortunately nothing appeases lunatics determined to kill every American but killing every American and that only temporarily. Its this sort of bizarre backtracking that makes Normal Americans wonder who is actually running the government. Wouldnt the President normally make this kind of decision? And if so, wouldnt the Secretary of Defense, who was reportedly out of town when this plea deal decision was madehe seems to be AWOL a lotbe directly involved because of the chain of command and all that? Did he quash the deal because these murderous terrorists deserve the death penalty and hes deeply concerned about justice, or was he just ticked off he was left out of the loop and his authority was subverted? And what about Joe Bidensexcuse me, I mean Kamala Harris--authority? Or was D/s/cs internal polling that bad? Fortunately, Rep Mike Rogers (R-Ala) wants answers: "I appreciate that Secretary Austin listened to my concerns and reversed this horrible decision," Rogers told Fox News Digital on Saturday. "However, this plea deal should never have occurred. I still expect the Secretary to provide HASC with answers on how this happened." Hes demanding all the usual documents, and as usual, the Harris Administration will stonewall and lie and well never see them. The Gitmo terrorists should have been tried by military commission, convicted, and promptly shot 21 years ago. As Ive predicted, were due for even more terrorist atrocities on American soil. Perhaps then our elected hired hands will quit trying to appease barbarians who cant be appeased. And as always, Americans will have to die before they even pretend to recognize reality. 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. The good people of Venezuela, who just had an election stolen from them by the longtime ruling socialists, are finding out who their friends are. Over in Mexico, they see socialist President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador splitting hairs over recounts. Down in Argentina, President Javier Milei is standing with them. Argentinian President Javier Milei has emerged as a powerful ally of the Venezuelan anti-government protests as international pressure mounts to award the recent presidential election to the opposition. Leaders from around the world, including the U.S., have cast doubt on Nicolas Maduro's claim that he won the election, and protesters have clashed with police in the streets of the embattled South American nation. "He's been very, very helpful, and he has been kind of like a rallying voice in South America to allow him, along with the left, the opposition of healing work and kind of pushing other democracies to recognize Edmundo as president," Daniel Acosta Rivas, an OSINT Analyst, told Fox News Digital. ... Milei was among the first world leaders to speak out after the Maduro-controlled National Electoral Council handed victory to the incumbent with an alleged margin of 51%, compared to 44% support for the opposition. Pre-election polling (which is illegal in the country) indicated that opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez received double the votes of Maduro. ... "He may believe he has won a battle," Milei said. "However, the most important thing is that the Venezuelan lions have awakened, and sooner or later socialism will come to an end." Venezuelan lions have awakened? Don't you love that? You see those lions out in the streets calling out the regime and encouraging the world to support them. Milei is the new fresh new face in Latin America. Let's hope that his free market approach in Argentina works and encourages other leaders to join him. At the same time, let's hope that his willingness to call out failed socialist policies brings change in Venezuela. Maduro needs to be replaced because he lost an election and everybody knows. This is the latest P.S.: Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos. Is Pope Francis a clerical version of Joe Biden? No, he's not senile. But he's strikingly slow at reacting to events, as if fighting the last war, instead of recognizing the one that's been thrown at him. His slow statements on the Olympics and on Venezuela's stolen election give the impression of a Church in stasis, and I'm not talking about that part of the Church that holds to traditions. The pope has been making slow, reactive and out-of-tune pronuncimentos, suggestive of the aroma of the final decade of the Soviet Union, back when Leonid Brezhnev and Konstantin Chernenko were being held up like puppets to the party faithful. On the Olympics, whose opening act featured a grotesque parody of the Last Supper by trans agenda enthusiasts mocking the Founder of the Church, the pope came out with this one, released in French: Google translate says: The Holy See was saddened by certain scenes at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games and cannot but join the voices that have been raised in recent days to deplore the offense done to many Christians and believers of other religions. In a prestigious event where the whole world comes together around common values, there should be no allusions that ridicule the religious convictions of many people. Freedom of expression, which is obviously not called into question, finds its limit in respect for others. That "believers of other religions" was interesting, there is even a claim he was shamed into by an anti-Western Muslim dictator: VATICAN It has been revealed that Pope Francis released a statement on the opening ceremony of the Olympics after being encouraged to do so in call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Francis thanked Erdogan for 'sensitivity against the desecration of religious values' pic.twitter.com/wVF4AGnFj6 Catholic Arena (@CatholicArena) August 4, 2024 And as he stayed silent, he didn't shut this idiot up, either, making one wonder if he was in this guy's thrall: Nevertheless, what the pope said was a good statement, but it's nine days after the event, the phony apology issued by the organizers, the mendacious denials of ill intent by the actors, and verbal thunderbolts from many of the Church's bishops, who wasted no time holding Masses and declaring acts of reparation for the blasphemy done. Here are a couple: Catholic Cardinal condemns Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony calling it the Theatre of Satan. We witnessed an unbelievable manifestation of the darkness and sin in our world...It is difficult to imagine anything more debased and blasphemous. pic.twitter.com/ruUuBYHNsJ Oli London (@OliLondonTV) August 3, 2024 We invite you to join these bishops from around the world--Ghana, Nigeria, Lebanon, the Central African Republic, Peru, Argentina, Ethiopia, South Africa, and the U.S.--to pray and fast in reparation as we ask for the Olympics to repudiate this deliberate desecration. https://t.co/D5OJ3ppgjV Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone (@ArchCordileone) August 3, 2024 The pope was not on the list. The Church sinews may have moved on, but the pope is still waking up and smelling the coffee about what happened at the Olympics. It would be fine and dandy if the pope were the head of a small state that wasn't involved in the Olympics. But this was an attack that struck at the heart of the Church, so it was very much about the Church. Is the pope so enthralled to special interests, such as reaching out to the trans community, which he has been trying to do, that he couldn't recognize the nature of this attack from that quarter? Did he think none of those people would ever speak to him if he stood firm and spoke up for the Church and ended the scandalization of its faithful? He seems a little slow about what the mission and essence of the Church is. This was a no-brainer, yet he stayed silent for more than a week, as if frozen, paralyzed. It sounds like a Church is led by a man without a rudder. On Venezuela, he's been similarly silent about the fraudulent result of that election, one which Latin Americans have seen thrown in their faces and spoken out against, including even those on the left, such as the leftist president of Chile, and the pope's former nemesis, the godawful Cristina Fernandez of Argentina who schemed to smear the pontiff as a dirty war criminal at the begining of his papacy. They seem to recognize the damage to the leftist brand this electoral fraud has done. Pope Francis is the first Latin American pope and he's effectively sided with the Maduro dictatorship against the will of the people. I have not seen his entire statement but I've seen enough to be concerned with how out of touch it is. It starts out roughly right: Encomendemos Venezuela a la intercesion de Nuestra Senora de Coromoto. Dirijo un sentido llamamiento a todas las partes para que busquen la verdad, resuelvan las disputas mediante el dialogo y se preocupen por el verdadero bien del pueblo y no por los intereses partidistas. Papa Francisco (@Pontifex_es) August 4, 2024 But it's nothing like this, which is what the Venezuelan bishops have put out: The two Venezuelan Cardinals, leaders of the Catholic Church in the country publish a scathing letter affirming Maduro lost the elections . They make reference to the fear Venezuelan bishops have that Maduro will emulate the Nicaraguan dictator imprisoning Catholic bishops and pic.twitter.com/a6Id8Dr4BR Luis H Ball (@ball1_ball) August 4, 2024 It goes into "dialogue" as if Maduro and the opposition have not been dialoguing, and intensely dialoguing for the past 20 years. The dialogue ended with the election, and the voters delivered their dialogue to the government through the ballot box and their votes were stolen. Thou shalt not steal. It also goes into the need for "both sides" to avoid violence, as if the guns were on both sides, which they were not. It calls on "both sides" to seek the truth, as if the actas, or vote tallies, gathered showing that the opposition won don't tell us anything. #PopeFrancis today prayed for an end to the "bloody and violent conflict" in the Middle East. "Enough brothers and sisters...war is always a defeat." He also highlighted the situation in #Venezuela and called for "all parties to seek the truth." pic.twitter.com/FgDbuk4BbV Christopher White (@cwwhiteNCR) August 4, 2024 That horse left the barn a long time ago. Meanwhile, there also is the admonition for "both sides" to avoid violence. That's preposterous, Maduro is the only one shooting into crowds and hunting down dissidents in their homes. In fact, in these nine days of papal silence, Maduro's moving on with like a crocodile, rounding up dissidents and getting his 're-education' camps ready, sounding more and more like another Marxist, Pol Pot, by the day: BREAKING: Maduro says hes sending jailed protesters to the most violent prison in Venezuela, dominated by murderous gangs: Weve captured 2000 & we are sending them to Tocoron and Tocuyito. This time there will be no forgiveness Via @AlertaMundoNews pic.twitter.com/s3xFvHksu1 Visegrad 24 (@visegrad24) August 3, 2024 RECAP one week since the fraudulent Venezuelan election. Maduro has: - Created two re-education camps for political prisoners - Arrested 2,000 people - Killed about 20 people - Created an online system for communists to report their neighbors to the police - Installed police Daniel Di Martino (@DanielDiMartino) August 4, 2024 This isn't a dispute with two sides, this is a monster refusing to be dislodged with vast millions of Venezuelans against him. It doesn't help that Pope Francis has joined the world's bad guys and congratulated fraudulent election winners in the past: Who congratulated Putin winning the so-called "election"? The leaders of Venezuela, Nicaragua, North Korea, China, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Honduras, Cuba. And the usual suspect - Pope Francis. pic.twitter.com/kA1x0UC0TE Roman Sheremeta (@rshereme) March 18, 2024 There are claims I have not checked out suggesting that the pope is in financial hock to the Maduroites who visit him frequently in the Vatican, as they have placed a good chunk of their fortunes in Vatican banks, to avoid sanctions and scrutiny. If it's true, it would be awful. In the meantime, the pope looks slow on the uptake and Mr. Magoo-like in recognizing the evil running rampant in both Catholic and Latin American affairs. it makes one wonder: Has the pope checked out? Is he effectively a continental Biden? Whatever it is, he's not leading the Church he was called to lead. It's sad stuff, a sign of weakness, and can't help but open the door to some kind of palace coup from ambitious and malevolent players, such as Biden drew. Maybe he should retire before it gets worse. Image: Twitter screen shot When Trump was grazed by that assassins bullet, he miraculously got up, fist in the air and shouted: Fight, fight, fight. That, my friends, is both character and courage. When the director of the Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, appeared before the House the following week, she showed her utter contempt for those members of Congress. She refused to answer any of their questions about the Secret Service's failure of mission substantively. She was forced to resign and her deputy, Ronald Rowe showed up next and was no more forthcoming than Cheatle was but, unlike Cheatle, he had an aggressive attitude. His anger at being questioned was palpable. Both of them likely lied repeatedly about what they knew. Rowe lied when he asserted that he did not limit, as in scale down, Trumps Secret Service protection. Several whistleblowers say Rowe did exactly that over the past two years. Both Cheatle and Rowe slyly blamed the local Butler County police with whom they failed to meet or to establish functional communications with before the event. Those two people arose to the top of their agency without having a shred of character. Their reaction to the crisis of the assassination attempt proved that. They mistook the prestige of their position for the privilege to be unaccountable for what was either egregious incompetence or calculated malfeasance. The public knows still virtually nothing about who was responsible for the total lack of security that day; no names, no one has been suspended or fired. We have little to no real information about the shooter; was he on any medication? Who were his friends and family? Subsequent pictures of the scene show no taped-off area for further investigation. Why was the shooters rifle eight feet away from him as a body camera showed, when law enforcement first got onto the roof? Was his familys home scrubbed of trash, even silverware? Weve heard no legitimate explanations for how a twenty-year-old got the better of the $3.2 billion a year Secret Service while everything he did for the few hours before he fired his rifle was right there in front of them all, the Secret Service and Butler Countys local law enforcement. Plenty of attendees pointed out the man with the gun to law enforcement. To date, according to the spokesman for the local police, theyve yet to be contacted by the Secret Service or the FBI. It's been three weeks and no one has yet interviewed the local police who were there that day! It seems like no one is really investigating. Seems like no one with power has any character at all. Seems like this is a massive cover-up operation. Curiously, both Cheatle and Rowe were on the job on Jan. 6, 2021. They were both party to the many lies that the media promote about the events of that day. J6 was a wholly manufactured crisis that revealed the total lack of character of the Democrat party that engineered it and then used it to punish their political opponents without due process. The American left is so lacking in character that they have implemented Soviet-style authoritarianism. They will make a plea deal with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed but not people who attended a peaceful protest against a stolen election. (That deal has been revoked, but only after a public outcry.) Something is very rotten in the swamp that is D.C. What is character? One dictionary definition says it is the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. Good character requires integrity, responsibility, accountability, kindness and trustworthiness. It might be defined as adherence to Judeo-Christian values, the Golden Rule. That is exactly what Cheatle, Rowe, as well as Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, and the rest of the left lack. They have all capitulated to the doctrine of power over morality. They care about identity groups, not individuals. For three and a half years America has suffered a frightening lack of leadership on the world stage. The Biden regime has rendered the country vulnerable to war on numerous fronts, especially from China and Iran. Now the world is on fire. Biden, a man of no character, hates Israel and supports Hamas, but tries it have it both ways. He is withholding weapons Israel needs, and regrets that Israel took out two of the most vicious terrorist leaders on the planet. Kamala Harris hates Israel even more than Biden. Harris has no recognizable grasp of the meaning of character. She is like an AI-created creature without a shred of humanity, let alone character. According to those who have known or worked for her, she has no business seeking the highest office in the land. Shes not a good or decent person. There is no there there. Kamala Harris has been deemed the Democrat candidate without a single primary vote. What is happening has never happened before in American history. Biden has been forced out of his campaign by political muscle, not the 25th Amendment. Harris has been decreed his replacement with a Zoom vote of delegates who were given no other choice. With the lefts nudging, we are descending into a Soviet-style state, one where elections will never again be fair -- like Ukraine, Russia, Venezuela, and every other fascist nation on the planet. What is ahead for America? We have too few people of character who represent us, but Trump is one of them, This, despite the lefts mischaracterization of him. It is his good character that makes them hate him with such intensity. He has what they lack which is why so many on the left freely state they wish the assassin had succeeded! It is shocking how many people on the left admit that. Hows that for lack of character? We are living in a post-Constitutional nation, plagued by amoral elected officials, most of whom do not care about the people who sent them to D.C. Trump actually does care about all the American people without regard for race, religion or sexual orientation. Conservatives who still live by and revere Judeo-Christian values are grateful for those in Congress who do try to do right by their constituents, but they are too few to wield any power. The Republican cowards and the Marxist Dems need to be voted out of office Mitt Romney, Lindsey Graham, Mitch McConnell, Nancy Pelosi, Hakim Jeffries, Chuck Schumer, Dick Durbin, etc., all those who never speak up to defend the nation but sacrifice it on the altar of globalism, DEI, CRT, and ESG. Those who have let the open border disaster continue unabated, those who voted for the billions for Ukraine while our homeless population explodes operate with impunity. All of them who voted for the massive spending that has put us so deeply, catastrophically in $35 trillion debt need to go. The Congress as a body is, for the most part, devoid of real character. The left can rail against Trump all they want, but a majority of Americans, those paying attention at least, know he has their best interests at heart. They know as well that the Democrat party long ago sold its soul to the globalists, the Marxists, and the climate fascists. About individual people of character, they could not care less. The crisis affecting us all is the lack of character among our leadership class. "The partisan strife in which the people of the country are permitted to periodically engage does not tend to the development of ugly traits of character, but merely discloses those that preexist." -- Ambrose Bierce, 1884. Image: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, via Flickr // CC BY 2.0 Deed Human beings are contrary creatures. Decisions made yesterdayor four years agomight be changed today in light of new, compelling information or fundamental revisions of belief. Thats human beings. Politicians are entirely different animals, far more sensitive to the urgings of the political winds, far more flexible in purported belief, with one notable exception: committed Communists. I speak, obviously, of Kamala Harris, current POTUS in practice and the Asian/Black/whatever owner of the title: most liberal senator ever. In that position, shes to the left of Bernie Sanders, who actually honeymooned in the Soviet Union: New details emerged Friday about Sen. Bernie Sanders' infamous honeymoon in the Soviet Union back in the 1980s -- including an anecdote about how his America-bashing abroad prompted one of his traveling companions to walk out of the room. I got really upset and walked out, David F. Kelley, a Republican who helped arrange the trip and was part of the entourage, recalled in an extensive piece in The Washington Post. Kelley said that during Sanders' 1988 trip, the now-2020 presidential hopeful acted inappropriately by criticizing his own country amid the Cold War. When you are a critic of your country, you can say anything you want on home soil," he said. "At that point, the Cold War wasnt over, the arms race wasnt over, and I just wasnt comfortable with it. Its safe to say Harris is well into Communist territory, which means any election year conversion is a lie, meant to trick low information voters into thinking her supposed changes are indications of her future intentions. No one should believe her, not only because her lips are moving, but because of this: Graphic: X Screenshot Thats right. Harris hasnt spoken any of those miraculous political conversions, only her campaign, which is working a repeat of Joe Bidens basement campaign. With the willing assistance of the Democrat/socialist/communist (D/s/c) media propaganda arm, theyre counting on unending praise of the supernatural wonder that is Kamala, combined with keeping Kamala from answering any questions about her actual stances, and screaming racist and sexist at anyone daring to point any of that out, to put her in the White House. Well, that and the most massive vote fraud effort in American history. But politicians change their views all the time! True, but thats the occasional politician, of either party, and thats on one, perhaps two, issues at a time. Most commonly, were talking about a D/s/c edging toward the middle in a tight political race where a single issue might be the deciding factor. Thats not the case here. Communists and Islamists have much in common. Their ideologies are complete political systems. For Muslims Allah is the ultimate authority, and for Communists, the Party and its maximum leader serves that purpose. While individual Muslims or Communists might convert toward liberty, those at the top virtually never do, so pure is their faith in their ideology. They also share one other essential quality: their ideology allows, even compels, them to lie to non-believers, the better to ensure the triumph of their ideology. Consider this: Harriss public policy views cannot withstand scrutiny. Although they have essentially reflect the orthodoxy of the Democratic Party, they are stupid and unpopular. Rich Lowrys column Kams sociopathic lies demonstrates how she camouflages them in scripted settings. Her nascent campaign doesnt seem to have an answer ready to hand. Thus the basement campaign. The basement campaign is also necessary because when Kamala goes off script, this sort of debacle inevitably occurs: Graphic: CNN Screenshot At the event welcoming the return of the American prisoner/hostages from Russia, Harris made her first unscripted remarks since the Democrats swapped out Biden for Harris: This is an extraordinary day, and, um, Im very thankful for our president and what he has done over his entire career but in particular as it relates to these families and these individualswhat he has been able to do to bring the allies together on many issues but in particular this one. This is just an extraordinary testament to the importance of having a president who understands the power of diplomacy and understands the strength that rests in understanding the significance of diplomacy and strengthening alliances. It's an extraordinary accomplishment, really. Kamala effortlessly generates incoherence without the benefit of dementia. Thus far, the Trump Campaign has been damning Harris with her own words. Were now in a race to the November finish with the medias lies and Kamalas campaigns lies against Kamalas own truthful expressions of her Communist ideology. Barack Obama owns the title of The One, leaving Kamala with, at best The One-half. Are Americans going to make history by putting a conveniently black Communist woman in the White House? Weve three months to find out. 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. Mt. Rushmore, in the Black Hills of South Dakota, is rightly known as The Shrine of Democracy. Between 1927 and 1941, led by sculptor Gutzon Borglum, some 400 local workers carved the monument. Amazingly, considering the technology of the timeworkers were lowered from the top on hand-cranked winches--no lives were lost during construction. There have been aborted attempts to put others among the four carvings on Mt. Rushmore, including Susan B. Anthony, and Barack Obama. One of my college professors maintained a long-running, curmudgeonly, joke about putting Harry Truman on the mountain. Graphic: Twitter Screenshot In its own way, the idea of Obama dominating the mountain was of a kind with eternal Democrat/socialist/communist (D/s/c) attempts to denigrate the very idea of the monumental carvings. Remember this from former Newsweek Editor Evan Thomas? Reagan was all about America, and you talked about it. Obama iswe are above that now. Were not just parochial, were not just chauvinistic, were not just provincial. We stand for something, I mean in a way, Obamas standing about the country, above, above the world, hes sort of God. Graphic: Author Why shouldnt the one, the more than man sort of God, be on Mt. Rushmore with giants like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln they revile? They also revile Borglum, and the very idea and existence of the monument: Graphic: Twitter Screenshot That didnt stop them for advocating for The Ones triumphal inclusion: History undoubtedly will accord President Obama a special place by virtue of being the first African-American president, said Prof. Paul Wahlbeck, chair of the political science department at GW. But although Wahlbeck confidently acknowledged his belief that Obama will soon join the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt, he said he is also reluctant to venerate political leaders while or shortly after they served. One might think Obamas 2013 shuttering of Mt. Rushmore, and every other national park, over a congressional budget battle that temporarily shut down the government, might have harmed his chances, particularly since he was so arrogantly pleased about it. He even directed rangers to block off scenic overlooks, so none could so much as catch a glimpse of the monument. Witness the spectacle of President Obama not only shutting down all national parks, but actually erecting barrycadesbarrycades that must be rented, replete with federal workers who must be paid to put them up and patrol themto prevent elderly veterans from visiting the WWII and Vietnam Memorials, memorials that have no gates or doors, that simply reside in fields where one may walk to and fro at any time of the day or night. Graphic: Author Since then, D/s/c presidents have done all they could to denigrate everything relating to Mt. Rushmore, and to deny Americans any pleasure in the experience. Joe Biden, every year, has denied fireworks displays there at the Fourth of July, ostensibly due to fire dangers, and to avoid bruising the sensibilities of American Indians. This, therefore, should be no surprise: Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi mused Sunday morning that President Biden could be added to Mount Rushmore after choosing to step out of the 2024 race. [skip] "He was in a good place to make whatever decision the top of his game," Pelosi said. "Such a consequential president of the United States, a Mount Rushmore kind of president of the United States." Stahl asked, "Are you really saying that he belongs up there on Mount Rushmore? Lincoln and Joe Biden?" "Well, you got Teddy Roosevelt up there, and he's wonderful," Pelosi clarified. "I don't say take him down. But you can add Biden." Why didnt Obama make the cut? And why not put a Titan at the top of his game at the top of Mt. Rushmore? Sadly, reality intrudes once more on D/s/c alternate reality: Since 1989 the National Park Service has worked with RESPEC, a rock mechanics engineering firm, to study the structural stability of the sculpture and to install rock block monitoring devices that assure long-term preservation of the sculpture, she said. RESPEC supports our long-held belief that no other rock near the sculpted faces is suitable for additional carving. [Mount Rushmore National Memorial Chief of Interpretation and Education Maureen] McGee-Ballinger said. RESPEC also believes that if additional work were undertaken it is possible that exposing new surfaces could result in creation of potential instabilities in the existing carving. Tragically, even The One, The Lightbringer, was not sufficiently powerful to transmogrify unstable granite such that his visage could inspire future generations. How could we expect Joe Bidenor Nancy Pelosito succeed where he failed? Graphic: Twitter Screenshot Twas not politics defeated The One, the little girl sniffer and the party of science, but geology. 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. Among the best advice any writer can take is: write what you know. Properly applied, this axiom can keep writers of fiction from inventing semiautomatic, lever action revolvers, or writing female characters with the sensibilities of Hulk Hogan. Because police work was my military MOS and my first civilian career, I know a few things about investigations, such as what should happen, when and why. When those things dont happen in the right order, or they dont happen at all, its virtually always indicative of gross incompetence and/or a coverup. Graphic: X Screenshot Consider this list of bizarre realities in the pseudo-investigation of the attempted assassination of Donald Trump: *the Secret Service [SS] had no radio communications not only with the local police but also with the snipers *most of the vital communications were made using texts over an overloaded cell phone network To any competent investigator, this would be a screaming alarm, particularly since local law enforcement (LE) offered the SS not only compatible radios, but drones. The SS refused both. Was this institutional arrogance, gross incompetence or something more nefarious? *There are no recordings of the Secret Service communications, although there are of the locals *[Acting SS Director Ronald] Rowe's assertions about the responsibilities of the local snipers didn't actually come from the local snipers--it was just made up by the Secret Service (we would know much less were it not for the locals) We would know almost nothing were it not for local LE and SS whistleblowers. *the Secret Service command center was not co-located with the local police This is another screaming alarm. At any SS event there are inevitably multiple local LE agencies, all with different radio frequencies. The only way for the SS to communicate in real timeor at allwith them is to establish a command post with local officers handling all those different radios, relaying important transmissions to the SS and vice versa. The SS deals with this issue every day. How can it be they ignored all institutional knowledge and experience for this single event, or do they ignore it all the time for every protectee and theyve just been lucky so far? Is their DEI focus partially responsible? *The investigators have YET to talk to the local police who were assisting the SS, including the snipers (after three weeks!) This is another glaring alarm. Any competent investigation, any investigation aimed at uncovering every fact, would interview, in-depth, every officerparticularly snipers and spotters--from every involved agency as soon as possible after the incident. By this I mean within minutes or hours. Professional investigators know the passage of time dims memory, and getting recorded and written statements ASAP allows them to find inconsistencies that need resolution, and inconsistencies that could be part of a coverup. Unless, of course, the point of the investigation is to construct a coverup. The FBI sent 15 agents to investigate a NASCAR garage door pull "noose." Those guys were too busy for this investigation? *Butler was the VERY FIRST TIME that the Secret Service provided snipers for a Trump rally this election cycle What the h?! This is a triple alarm. The SS doesnt always need or deploy snipers. Should Dr. Jill attend an indoor Daughters of the American Revolution event of 200 or so, snipers would likely be unnecessary. I once supported the SS at an Al Gore visit to a local college. All events were indoors, and no snipers were present. But at outdoor Trump rallies of tens of thousands? If one were a skeptical type, or merely had common sense, they might reasonably suspect SS snipers were present at this single Trump rally to ensure the assassin wasnt available for questioning. The SS snipers would not even need to be in on any assassination plot. All that would be required was to handicap them in every way possible to ensure they couldnt stop the assassin before he fired, but to make it certain to eliminate him afterward. No radio communications, no advance team threat assessment, leaving the perfect snipers nest unsecured, an insufficient number of SS and local sniper teams, none of which could speak with each other in real time, an insufficient number of SS protective agents, no recording of SS communications, the debilitating influence of DEI, and the list goes on and on. The icing on the cake is assigning the least credible federal LE agencythe FBIto handle the investigation. Theyre performing to expectations by making no regular press briefings on the progress of the investigation, likely because there is no progress other than covering up the facts. So, I write what I know. In this case, I only wish I didnt have to. 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. Google is expected to release the final stable build of Android 15 at some point later this year. The latest iteration of the popular mobile OS will be bringing a smorgasbord of new features to improve the overall user experience. Google has already revealed most of the upcoming features of the new Android version. However, some of the interesting features are still hiding under the curtain. One of these features is the support for minimized heads-up notifications. It looks like watching videos on Android 15 could improve with less distracting minimized heads-up notifications. Android 15 could have a more compact layout for heads-up notifications According to Android Authoritys Mishaal Rahman, Android 15 could offer a more compact layout for heads-up notifications. The minimized window for heads-up notifications will be less obtrusive. They will be less distracting, especially when you are watching a video or playing games. Rahman found references in the System UI app for a new minimized layout for heads-up notifications in Android 15 Beta 4. After tinkering with the code, he managed to enable the compact layout for the heads-up notifications. He also posted a few photos comparing the difference in the size of the heads-up notification window while playing videos. As you can see in photo galleries, the compact layout is less distracting than the current large window. It takes up much less space on the screen with only minimal information from the notification. The current layouts window is quite large with a lot of details. The new layout may be reserved for quarterly Android 15 updates or even for Android 16 The new layout for the heads-up notifications is not live in the Android 15 beta 4 update. It has only been found after going through the code. Theres a possibility that Google may not include it in the final stable build thats coming later this year. Google could also have it reserved for one of the upcoming quarterly Android 15 updates. It can even totally skip Android 15 to land with the next years Android 16 update, only time will tell. Update: Google has released a statement in response to Judge Mehtas decision: This decision recognizes that Google offers the best search engine, but concludes that we shouldnt be allowed to make it easily available. We appreciate the Courts finding that Google is the industrys highest quality search engine, which has earned Google the trust of hundreds of millions of daily users, that Google has long been the best search engine, particularly on mobile devices, has continued to innovate in search and that Apple and Mozilla occasionally assess Googles search quality relative to its rivals and find Googles to be superior. Given this, and that people are increasingly looking for information in more and more ways, we plan to appeal. As this process continues, we will remain focused on making products that people find helpful and easy to use. Judge Amit Mehta has ruled in favor of the US Department of Justice in its case against Google. Judge Mehta writes that Google has maintained a monopoly in the search and advertising markets. After having carefully considered and weighed the witness testimony and evidence, the court reaches the following conclusion: Google is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly, says the courts ruling. This is a major victory for the DOJ, which has had a pretty bad track record in antitrust cases under President Biden. However, its not yet clear what this will mean for the future of Googles business since this is about Googles liability and not about remedies. This is the first monopoly case in a wave of cases brought on by the US government recently. Its been nearly two decades since the last major monopoly case, which was against Microsoft. The government is also suing Amazon, Apple, and Meta for monopolistic practices. Google argues that it was not acting anticompetitively Throughout the ten-week trial that Judge Mehta oversaw, Google continued to argue that it was not acting anti-competitive and that its large market share was a result of creating a superior product. Google also argued that its search business should be compared to a much larger range of peers than the government proposed in its market definition. Arguing that it competes directly with other platforms where search is a bit part of business, even if they arent indexing the web like Amazon. In this case, we also learned how much Google is paying Apple to remain the default search engine on the iPhone (and iPad). Thats $20 billion in 2022 alone. Google also let it slip that it pays 36% of search ad revenue from Safari with Apple. Which by itself is very monopolistic. As for whats next, another antitrust trial between the DOJ and Google is set to start on September 9. This one is going to be about its ad technology. Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner speaks during a Celebration of Life Service for Sheila Jackson Lee at Fallbrook Church on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer The late U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lees family endorsed former Mayor Sylvester Turner in the race to replace the congresswoman on the November ballot. A week ahead of the nomination meeting where Jackson Lees replacement will be selected, Jackson Lees children, Jason Lee and Erica Lee Carter, announced they are supporting Turner, a longtime friend and ally of their mother, in his bid to succeed her. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We have no doubt Mayor Turner will carry on our mothers legacy of service because weve witnessed it almost our entire lives, Lee and Lee Carter wrote in a Monday statement. Our mother had no greater partner than Mayor Turner and he honors her with his willingness to dutifully and humbly serve as a sturdy bridge to the next generation of leadership for the historic 18th Congressional District of Texas. Turner, a native of Acres Homes, served as a member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1989 until he was elected Houston mayor in 2015. He left City Hall at the end of last year after two terms as Houstons top official. Jackson Lee died from pancreatic cancer last month after representing the 18th Congressional District for three decades. Since her passing, a number of candidates have confirmed their intentions to run. Besides Turner, former council member Amanda Edwards, council member Letitia Plummer and state Rep. Jarvis Johnson, among others, have also entered the race. Turner recently said the passing of his friend and the unique circumstances of this race were the only factors that could pull him out of retirement, adding district constituents needed stability and continuity in leadership at this critical juncture. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Jackson Lee secured a decisive primary victory in March against challenger Edwards. With no time to hold a new primary ahead of the November general election, the Harris County Democratic Party has tasked its 88 precinct chairs who live in the district to meet on August 13 to select a new nominee. Candidates are set to make their pitches to party leaders during a flurry of events in the coming days. Samsung was expected to roll out the Android 15-based One UI 7.0 beta update by the end of July, but it didnt happen. Now it appears that Samsung fans will have to wait a little longer to get their hands on the latest update. According to a post on X by the tipster @UniverseIce, Samsung delayed the launch of the One UI 7 beta. Galaxy users will have to wait a little longer for the One UI 7.0 beta update In the post on X, the tipster states There are still no plans to launch it [One UI 7.0 beta] in the near future. Sadly, the source hasnt provided any clarification as to why Samsung is delaying the One UI 7.0 update. Originally, the update was supposed to start rolling out by the end of July. This isnt the first time we have heard about it. Last week, SamMobile reported that Samsung has delayed the One UI 7.0 beta update. One possibility is that the firmware is still buggy and highly unstable. The company appears to be ironing out the major bugs and issues as soon as possible before rolling it out to the public. The Samsung-centric publication suggests that the One UI 7.0 beta update could start rolling out in the third week of August. Samsung is currently focusing on releasing the One UI 6.1.1 update to more devices first According to SamMobile, Samsung is focusing on releasing the One UI 6.1.1 update to more devices at the moment. It is one of the main reasons why the One UI 7.0 beta update keeps getting delayed. One UI 6.1.1 came with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 in July. While its not a major update, it will bring the new Galaxy AI features to Samsungs older flagships. As for the One UI 7.0 update, the Android 15-based custom skin from the brand will bring tons of new features. It will also come with visual enhancements and performance improvements for Galaxy devices. Lets hope Samsung irons out all the bugs and soon starts rolling it out. About a week ago, Russia fined Google and TikTok over banned content. In the latest development of the situation, it seems like Russia will soon block Google, Android, and iOS. Russia could soon issue a block for Google, Android & iOS This information comes from Aleksei Didenko, a member of the Russian State Duma, as Globe Eye News reports. No additional explanation was provided by the source, but the aforementioned banned content has something to do with it, for sure Google and TikTok failed to comply with an order from communications regular in Russia, Roskomnadzor, over banned content. Google received a fine of 5 million roubles ($58,000) and TikTok 4 million roubles ($46,000). Russia has been requesting, for years, for such platforms to remove content it deems illegal. Google has been mentioned rather frequently, especially over YouTube and the content included there. It seems like Russia will take things a step further, and not only block Google, but Googles mobile operating system, and the same goes for iOS. Well, presuming that the report Globe Eye News shared is correct. We should get more information in the coming days Considering it was said that the ban will take place soon, we should hear more about it in the coming days. If it happens, Russia will provide an official explanation. However, we can presume that the failure to remove content has a lot to do with it. It is a bit surprising that both Android and iOS were mentioned as part of the ban, though. Fines were expected, but the news of an upcoming block is still somewhat surprising. As many of you know, the war in Ukraine is still ongoing. That conflict seemingly brought forth a lot of content that Russia doesnt approve of, which is why the state could decide to take the next step. Samsung just introduced a new budget phone with a large battery and a 90Hz display. The device in question is the Samsung Galaxy F14, and the phone was announced in India. The Galaxy F14 is Samsungs brand-new budget smartphone The main selling point with this phone is its price, of course. Thats usually the case when it comes to the Galaxy F series devices. The device comes in one variant, with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, and its priced at INR8,999 ($107). You cant really expect a whole lot for that price, can you? Still, some specs on this phone are rather appealing. Before we get to it, however, lets talk about the phones looks. The Galaxy F14 has a flat display with a dewdrop notch at the top. Thats your first indication this is a budget phone. The second one is its chin below the display, that bezel is thicker than the rest. All the physical buttons sit on the right-hand side, while the frame is flat all around. The phones backplate is flat, and there are three vertically aligned cameras there. It has a 90Hz display, three cameras, and a 5,000mAh battery In regards to specs, the Snapdragon 680 SoC fuels the phone. A 6.7-inch fullHD+ (2400 x 1080) LCD display is included here, with a 90Hz refresh rate. Android 14 comes pre-installed on the phone, along with Samsungs One UI 6.1 skin. There are two SIM card slots here (2x nano SIM), and an additional slot for a microSD card. A 5,000mAh battery can be found inside of the phone. The Galaxy F14 supports 25W wired charging. A fingerprint scanner is embedded inside the power/lock button on the right side. This handset has a single speaker, and its a bottom-firing one. There is an audio jack included on the phone too, though. Bluetooth 5.2 is supported here, while the device also supports Dual 4G VoLTE. A 50-megapixel main camera (f/1.8 aperture) is backed by a 2-megapixel depth sensor, and a 2-megapixel macro camera (f/2.4 aperture). A single 13-megapixel camera (f/2.0 aperture) sits on the front. Samsung has officially confirmed the return of its popular Fan Edition series with the upcoming Galaxy S24 FE. After months of rumors and leaks, the South Korean tech giant has finally acknowledged the device. The news is a delight for fans eagerly anticipating the launch of a more affordable flagship option. The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE has been Confirmed The Samsung Galaxy S24 FEs existence was confirmed through a support page for the device on Samsungs official website. The page was first spotted by SamMobile. While the page doesnt reveal any specific details about the smartphone, its mere presence confirms the devices development and impending launch. The confirmation is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it indicates Samsungs commitment to catering to a wider audience by offering a flagship-grade experience at a potentially lower price point. Secondly, it suggests that the company believes there is a substantial demand for a device that balances premium features and affordability. With the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE nearly confirmed, anticipation for its launch is now at an all-time high. Fans can expect to learn more about the devices specifications, design, and release date in the coming weeks and months. What to Expect from the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE While official details are scarce, leaks and rumors have painted a picture of what the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE might offer. The device could feature a powerful processor, likely the Exynos 2400 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The display is rumored to be a Super AMOLED panel with a high refresh rate. Camera performance is another crucial aspect. The Galaxy S24 FE can have a triple camera setup. That includes a high-resolution primary sensor, an ultrawide lens, and a telephoto lens. Design-wise, the device may follow the design language of the Galaxy S24 series, featuring a sleek and modern look. The build quality could be premium, as with other Samsung flagship devices. The confirmation of the Galaxy S24 FE places Samsung in a strong position to compete in the mid-to-high-end smartphone market. With its reputation for innovation and quality, Samsung has a significant advantage over other players in the segment. The success of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE will depend on several factors, including pricing, features, and marketing. If Samsung can deliver a compelling package, the device could become a major hit and further solidify the companys dominance in the smartphone industry. NVIDIA's highly-anticipated Blackwell AI chips are now at risk of being delayed for months as the chip maker reportedly prioritized fixing "design flaws" in the graphics units before releasing them. Sources told The Information that NVIDIA has already notified its top-paying customers, including Microsoft, Meta, and Google, about the delay to not expect the chips' release until early 2025. The notification did not specify the "design flaws" in need of fixing but claimed that the company is currently seeking to reduce the chips' manufacturing "cost and energy consumption by up to 25x." NVIDIA and its partnered chip factory, the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, have reportedly started conducting test production runs to resolve the issue within three months. The Blackwell chips, which could cost up to $30,000 apiece, are posing to become NVIDIA's top seller as companies invest "tens of billions of dollars" into the chips months before its release. NVIDIA Faces Pushbacks from Growing Regulatory Scrutiny The latest setback on NVIDIA, which now sits as the US's most valuable corporation, came as the chip manufacturer faces regulatory scrutiny for its recent deals with AI companies. The New York Times first reported in June that the Justice Department has signaled plans to launch antitrust probes on Microsoft, NVIDIA, and OpenAI for potential violations of anti-monopoly rules. This is not to mention allegations of the chip manufacturer and other AI giants reportedly using licensed YouTube videos to train their latest advanced models without authorization. YouTube's parent company, Google, has long denounced other AI firms using its user-generated content to train non-affiliated AI models. NVIDIA Opens New Deals, Partnerships with Tech Giants Despite recent setbacks and headwinds, NVIDIA has been notably growing closer to tech giants as more companies rely on its AI chips in anticipation of the further growth of the AI industry. Just last week, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang met with Meta co-founder Mark Zuckerberg to kick off the social platform's new AI Studio to demonstrate the company's recent AI improvements to users across Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp. The recent collaboration is seen as a sign of the deepening relationship between the two tech giants as Meta increases investment into generative AI development in the coming years. Several countries have issued safety warnings to their citizens in the UK due to anti-immigration protests and riots. Nigeria, Malaysia and Indonesia have all sent out alerts, giving advice to their nationals living in or visiting the UK to stay away from demonstrations. A travel alert by Nigerias Ministry of Foreign Affairs, based in the capital Abuja, stated that there is an increased risk of violence and disorder occasioned by the recent riots in the UK, noting that the violence has assumed dangerous proportions. It went on: Demonstrations by far right and other extra-parliamentary groups in parts of the UK in recent weeks have been large, and in some instances unruly. The High Commission of Malaysia in London posted a message online which read: 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. It also strongly encouraged people to register with it to receive timely information and assistance. The Indonesian embassy in London also issued a warning, advising its citizens in the UK to avoid large crowds and increase their vigilance. Violence has broken out in several towns and cities in England and Northern Ireland following the killing of three young girls at a dance class in Southport last week. Many countries around the world, including the US, Germany and Denmark, issued travel advice to their citizens following riots in England in summer 2011. Filmmaker David Lynch has said he will never retire as he revealed he has been diagnosed with emphysema. In a post on X, the 78-year-old Twin Peaks creator said he developed the lung condition after years of smoking, but he had quit the habit two years ago. Emphysema is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which is caused by damage to the air sacs in the lungs, according to the NHS website. Lynch wrote: Ladies and Gentlemen, yes, I have emphysema from my many years of smoking. I have to say that I enjoyed smoking very much, and I do love tobacco the smell of it, lighting cigarettes on fire, smoking them but there is a price to pay for this enjoyment, and the price for me is emphysema. I have now quit smoking for over two years. Recently I had many tests and the good news is that I am in excellent shape except for emphysema. I am filled with happiness, and I will never retire. I want you all to know that I really appreciate your concern. Love, David. The clarification came following questions about whether Lynch would direct again after he discussed the diagnosis in a new interview with Sight & Sound magazine. According to reports, he told the outlet: Ive gotten emphysema from smoking for so long and so Im homebound whether I like it or not. It would be very bad for me to get sick, even with a cold. Ladies and Gentlemen, Yes, I have emphysema from my many years of smoking. I have to say that I enjoyed smoking very much, and I do love tobacco the smell of it, lighting cigarettes on fire, smoking them but there is a price to pay for this enjoyment, and the price for me is David Lynch (@DAVID_LYNCH) August 5, 2024 Discussing his directing future with his health condition, he reportedly told the magazine: I would do it remotely if it comes to it I wouldnt like that so much. Born in Missoula, Montana, Lynch has been Oscar nominated four times including two nods for 1980s The Elephant Man for directing and adapted screenplay, and two more directing nominations for 1986s Blue Velvet and 2001s Mulholland Drive. Some of his other directing credits included 1984s Dune, 1990s Wild At Heart, 1997s Lost Highway, 1999s The Straight Story and 2006s Inland Empire. In 2019, he received an honorary Academy Award which recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry but have not yet won an Oscar. Lynch co-created the mystery drama Twin Peaks with Mark Frost which ran for two series between 1990 and 1991. He also returned to develop and write Twin Peaks: The Return, which was released in 2017. Four men have been charged by police investigating violence and disorder which followed an anti-immigration protest in Belfast on Saturday. The charges come as Stormonts Justice Minister, Naomi Long, hit out at the radicalisation of people online through disinformation and outright lies. Several businesses were attacked following violence which erupted in the city after anti-immigration protests on Saturday. Business owners have said the Islamic community was deliberately targeted. A number of businesses were damaged during violence in Belfast (Jonathan McCambridge/PA) 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 force said it then prevented an attempt by protesters to march to Belfast Islamic Centre, but that sporadic violence broke out in other parts of the city. Three police officers were injured in the disorder and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has said those involved will be dealt with using the full force of the law. Four men will appear in Belfast Magistrates Court on Monday on charges linked to the violence. A 53-year-old has been charged with resisting police, three counts of assault on police and disorderly behaviour. Meanwhile, a 46-year-old man has been charged with disorderly behaviour and resisting police. A 38-year-old has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence, possession of fireworks without a licence, and riotous behaviour. He also faces the charge of disorderly behaviour. A 34-year-old has been charged with taking part in an unnotified public procession. Justice Minister Naomi Long hit out at disinformation being spread online (Liam McBurney/PA) Ms Long said if there were any lessons to be learnt from the policing operation at the weekend, she had no doubt the PSNI would learn them. She told the BBC Good Morning Ulster programme: We have people in our community this morning who have invested their lives in building businesses, in settling into our community and in providing services to our community, who have now seen their entire livelihoods wiped out in one night of sickening violence and that has to stop. We are already seeing now on social media people making preparations for another round of this this week. This cannot continue, we cannot have this kind of Islamaphobia, xenophobia and hatred on our streets. People have a right to an opinion, when it comes to immigration, but it needs to be an informed opinion, what we are seeing instead is radicalisation of people online through disinformation and outright lies. It is incredibly dangerous. If there are lessons to be learnt around the policing operation I have no doubt whatsoever they will be learnt. Chair of the Northern Ireland Policing Board Mukesh Sharma (Liam McBurney/PA) Policing Board chairman Mukesh Sharma described the violence in Belfast as deeply depressing and disturbing. He added: As a board, we join in the condemnation of all those who engaged in this disorder, and we welcome police commitments to bring all those responsible to justice. There is no place for hate in our community. We all have a real job of work to do to provide reassurance to the community that the violent actions of a few are not representative of our society. I welcome the increased police engagement at this time with affected and concerned communities, and also trust that all those officers injured in the course of the disorder make a speedy recovery. Meanwhile, the Alliance Party has submitted a recall petition calling for the Northern Ireland Assembly to be recalled to discuss the violent scenes. Name and shame rioters, Prime Minister says amid bid to crack down on disorder A standing army of specialist police officers is being assembled to crack down on rioting, the Prime Minister said 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 in the wake of a sixth day of disorder which saw rioters storm hotels housing asylum seekers. Police clashed with crowds one week on from the Southport stabbings as the escalating violence continued over the weekend across the country. So far, there have been 378 arrests since the violence broke out last week, with the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) warning the total was expected to rise each day. On Monday evening, Devon and Cornwall Police said arrests were made after a police van was damaged and officers were met with a level of violence during demonstrations in Plymouth. The force said it was policing two planned demonstrations, as videos shared on social media showed riot police with dogs attempting to keep the groups apart. Several suspects faced charges in court on Monday, as ministers and police chiefs descended on Westminster for the meeting setting out the response for the coming days in a bid to clamp down on further unrest. Calls for the army to be brought in have so far been dismissed, with the Government insisting the police already have the resources needed to respond. Setting out the action to be taken after the meeting, the Prime Minister said: The first is we will have a standing army of specialist public duty officers so that we will have enough officers to deal with this where we need them. The second is we will ramp up criminal justice. There have already been hundreds of arrests, some have appeared in court this morning. I have asked for early consideration of the earliest naming and identification of those involved in the process who will feel the full force of the law. He issued a similar warning to anyone whipping up violence online as the Technology Secretary said social media companies providing a platform for this hate must go further in tackling it. Downing Street also 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. It comes as Sir Keir addressed the nation on Sunday amid the biggest challenge to his premiership so far, telling perpetrators they would regret engaging in far-right thuggery. The PA news agency understands the Prime Ministers so-called standing army of police specialists is an expansion of the existing mutual aid scheme, to allow officers to be deployed around the country as needed. How long this measure would be in place, the number of officers involved and what it will cost is not yet known. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the courts are on standby to ensure swift justice. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said those involved in far-right thuggery would face the full force of the justice system, adding that the police, courts and prisons stand ready. Although several cases were already in motion, questions were being raised about how quickly this would happen in reality as it emerged some suspects will not face court for weeks. Staffordshire Police said two people charged over disorder in Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday were not due in court for more than a fortnight and others accused of being involved in unrest in Bristol are not due to face court until September, Avon and Somerset Police said. Elsewhere, defendants were being brought before magistrates in Belfast, Sheffield, Liverpool and South Tyneside in the latest wave of court appearances. (PA Graphics) Judges condemned the disgraceful and large-scale mob violence while some courts heard how defendants took advantage of the disorder to commit crime. A woman admitted pushing over a large bin towards police in Sunderland, after getting involved when the pub where she had been drinking closed, and a man said he stole vapes from a shop that had been damaged during the violent scenes in the town after socialising with friends. A 30-year-old man accused of swinging a stick at a woman during disorder outside Sheffield City Hall sobbed in the dock as he denied the charges against him. The unrest has prompted some MPs to demand Parliament is recalled so the problems can be debated in the Commons, as it was during the 2011 riots. The Board of Deputies of British Jews called for a national conversation on promoting respect for the country and each other, as it condemned the lawlessness and thuggery. Former home secretary Dame Priti Patel said she would not feel safe in some of the areas where violence unfolded and that the racism on display was no different from that of the 1970s and 1980s. The Home Office has brought in urgent measures to make sure mosques were offered extra protection so any threats of more attacks on places of worship could be responded to quickly. A mosque in Middlesbrough was the latest of several to be targeted. A chair is launched at police officers outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham (Danny Lawson/PA) Organisation Tell Mama, which monitors anti-Muslim attacks, said it had called the police after it identified more far-right threats on Telegram that seek to target immigration solicitors and refugee services in more than 30 locations across the country on Wednesday. Cleveland Police said patrols were being stepped up in Teesside over the coming days amid fears the area could be hit with more violent disorder. And a court heard police believe more violence linked to planned anti-immigration protests is likely in Belfast. Dame Priti, the Conservative MP for Essex constituency Witham, joined the Prime Minister in rubbishing claims there was two-tier policing in Britain, where right-wing protests are dealt with more harshly than those with left-wing influence. The most senior police officer in the country, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, appeared to grab a reporters microphone and throw it on the ground when he was asked about two-tier policing as he left the Cobra meeting. Asked about the incident, the force said he was in a hurry. NPCC chairman Gavin Stephens stressed police were not anti-protest but were anti-crime. Insisting a united and robust policing response is in place across the country, he said: We are doing all we can to tackle this disorder and keep you safe, adding: We are here to protect the public and keep the peace no matter your beliefs. Damage at the Holiday Inn Express in Tamworth, Staffordshire, after a mob attacked it on Sunday (Jacob King/PA) The widespread and continued disorder broke out after three girls died in last weeks knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club. Merseyside Police have since said one child caught up in the incident remained in hospital but all other patients had been discharged. Among the latest scenes of violence, anti-immigration rioters smashed the windows of the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham at the weekend before starting fires. Masked men hurled lengths of wood, chairs and bottles with some spraying fire extinguishers at police officers amid the 700-strong crowd. At least 10 officers were injured, with one knocked unconscious, South Yorkshire Police said. One arrest had already been made and others involved should expect us to be at their doors very soon, the force said. On Sunday evening, a similar incident played out at a Holiday Inn hotel in Tamworth, Staffordshire, where reports suggested asylum seekers were also being housed, in a scene which saw fires, smashed windows and missiles being thrown at officers, Staffordshire Police said. Earlier in the afternoon, a group of rioters in Middlesbrough smashed the windows of houses and cars and threw objects at officers, with one seen shouting a racial slur and another telling police: Its our f****** country. There were 43 arrests, with crown court and university buildings sustaining significant damage, Cleveland Police said. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley leaving Downing Street, central London (Aaron Chown/PA) Greater Manchester Police used powers amid disturbances in Bolton to order people to remove face coverings used to disguise or conceal their appearance. Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said: Firefighters were among the first to respond to the appalling stabbings in Southport last week. The FBU sends its thoughts and condolences to all those affected, especially the loved ones of the three young children who tragically lost their lives, and we applaud the bravery and professionalism of the firefighters who attended. It is clear that the organised far right has used these tragic events to mount a deliberate campaign of racist violence and intimidation. The attacks on mosques, hotels housing migrants and other targets in recent days have been shocking. This situation has been decades in the making. Mainstream politicians and media outlets have stoked anti-migrant hate and Islamophobia while driving down the living standards of most people. Austerity, cutting pay and trashing public services were choices made by right-wing politicians in the interests of big business not by migrants. The new Labour Government has a duty to offer an alternative, rather than pandering to anti-migrant rhetoric. Firefighters are on the front line. We are still assessing the experience of FBU members on the ground, but there is evidence to suggest that firefighters have faced obstruction, and that fire appliances have been deliberately damaged. Resources being deployed to fires resulting from rioting could impact response times to other incidents. Nationwide Building Society is to use its branch network to offer specialist dementia clinics in high streets. People will be able to book free clinic appointments in branches on set dates, and the society said they are available for anyone affected by dementia, including family members and carers. It has partnered with Dementia UK to offer specialist support across more than 200 branches and said the clinics will also be available to non-Nationwide customers, as well as its members. In-branch dementia services will include both health and financial support, including understanding a dementia diagnosis, worries about symptoms, support on how to best care for someone with dementia, as well as financial and legal issues and emotional support. Health and financial guidance will be provided in branch or over the phone, according to Nationwide, which is funding 30 Dementia UK Admiral Nurses. Nationwide chief executive Debbie Crosbie said: Nationwide wants to help people live their best life possible, for as long as possible. Dr Hilda Hayo, chief Admiral Nurse and chief executive at Dementia UK, said: Nationwides backing, network and expertise will help us deliver practical and emotional face-to-face support across the country in their branches, helping us bring specialist dementia care to more people than ever through our Admiral Nurses. With the number of people living with dementia in the UK set to exceed one million in the next year, this timely partnership will be crucial as we increase our services and reach to ensure no-one faces dementia alone. The Crooked House pub in Himley, near Dudley in the West Midlands, was burnt out in August last year - Anita Maric/SWNS Around 25,000 bricks salvaged from the remains of Britains wonkiest pub could be reused to rebuild the historic structure a year after a suspected arson attack was followed by its unlawful demolition. The Crooked House, in Himley, near Dudley in the West Midlands, was burnt out in August last year before it was knocked down two days later. Six people arrested last year have been released from bail but remain under investigation, police said. The pubs destruction sparked the formation of the Save the Crooked House (Lets Get it Rebuilt) group calling for it to be rebuilt brick by brick. They hope the pub can rise again using thousands of bricks that were secured and locked away in large containers after Facebook adverts selling them for 50 appeared in the aftermath of the fire. Bricks from the demolisehd building were salvaged and locked away - John Robertson Campaigner Ian Sandall told the BBC: Weve got to do something to protect this pub. Im still grieving for the pub a year on and that is our determination, our drive to carry on with what we are doing. Another supporter Paul Turner, said: I was absolutely devastated. It had been there all my life, all my dads life, all my grandads life. It had been there for generations. With this campaign and the fight to get it back, once thats achieved the history of the place will be even more rich. The building, which dated back to 1735, was changed from a farmhouse to a pub in 1830 and became a tourist attraction because of its wonky appearance. Mining subsidence had caused one side of the building to sink 4ft lower than the other. In February this year, South Staffordshire council served an enforcement notice ordering the owners of the Crooked House to rebuild the pub following the unlawful demolition. A planning inspectorate hearing will decide the sites fate in 2025. The Australian government has raised the countrys terrorism threat level from possible to probable as security officials warn of an increased risk of violence across all ideological spectrums. The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, made the announcement in Canberra on Monday, reversing a change made nearly two years ago. Intelligence sources said the decision to raise the threat level was not triggered by any single issue or ideology, but noted an overall increase in polarisation in Australia and other western countries. The sources said social cohesion was under strain and Covid-era grievances were being exacerbated by the Israel-Hamas conflict. The terror threat level was last changed in November 2022, when it was lowered to possible. Related: Rise in activity from rightwing extremists who want to trigger race war in Australia, Asio warns I want to reassure Australians probable does not mean inevitable and it does not mean there is intelligence about an imminent threat or danger, Albanese said on Monday. But the advice that we have received is that more Australians are embracing a more diverse range of extreme ideologies and it is our responsibility to be vigilant. The prime minister appealed to fellow political leaders to watch their language and to engage in public debate in a way that is respectful. When the temperature of the security environment is rising, we must lower the temperature of debate something Ive been saying for some time, he said. Our words and our actions matter. The Greens senator David Shoebridge said it was deeply irresponsible for prime minister Albanese to use this moment as a platform to air his political grievances and conflate good people concerned with specific actions of his government with far-right conspiracy theorists. Australias terrorism threat level is rated by security officials on a five-level scale, with not expected the lowest rating and possible the second-lowest rating. Mondays change moves the rating to the mid-level of probable. After probable, the more serious levels are expected and then certain. The level of probable means that security officials believe there is a greater than 50% chance of an onshore attack or attack planning in the next twelve months. The official advisory warns of the potential for an increase in acts of politically motivated violence, including terrorism, to occur across all ideological spectrums. The advisory says the spy agency Asio is observing the emergence of domestic actors increasingly driven to action by socio-political issues, intersecting with personal grievances. There is an increase in extremism, fuelled by conspiracy theories and anti-authority ideologies, it states. Some actors hold a blend of ideologies, including those that justify acts of violence to influence change. The advisory says the rise of individual grievance narratives and how they are expressed are affecting societys ability to find common ground. Increasingly it is leading to a normalisation of provocative and inflammatory behaviours contrary to community standards and liberal democratic values, it says. The advisory warns that any attack in Australia is likely to be low-cost, using readily available weapons, and simple tactics. Asio said such an attack would be most likely to occur in a crowded place in a major city and by a lone actor or a small group in a way that was difficult to detect in advance. The head of Asio, Mike Burgess, said Australians should be aware but not afraid an adaptation of the Howard government-era warning to be alert but not alarmed. Burgess said he was particularly concerned about the rapid radicalisation of young people online. Politically motivated violence now joins espionage and foreign interference as our principal security concerns, he said. Burgess said he had warned in October that inflamed language about the conflict in the Middle East could inflame tensions in Australia. Unfortunately this is what is playing out, he said. Burgess said his agency did not believe any of the alleged terrorism plots it had investigated in the past year had been inspired by the Gaza conflict. He reiterated that Gaza was not the cause of the threat level rising, but was a significant driver. Related: Asio warns against inflamed language over Middle East amid concern of opportunistic violence Its driven more emotion and heat into society, the Asio chief said. Burgess acknowledged it was not Asios job to intervene in lawful protest movements. Lawful dissent, lawful protests are fine, Burgess said. Its the people who think violence is the answer not just because of Gaza, though. In this current environment, violence is more likely at protests. Burgess said an escalation of the conflict, including between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, would inflict further strain. Asked by a reporter whether any particular groups, including Jewish Australians, were more at risk of being targeted, Burgess said it was across the board. Yes, theres plenty of antisemitism but theres plenty of Islamophobia at the same time. Its kind of an almost equal treatment, not quite, but almost equal treatment. Asked about the practical impact of the decision to increase the threat level, Burgess said authorities would review their previous assessments of individuals as to whether they might resort to violence. Earlier on Monday, intelligence sources who asked not to be named said the concerns spanned a range of ideologies, including people taking a perverse interpretation of Islam, neo-Nazis, anti-globalist and anti-authority types, and others with personal grievances. The sources said an erosion of trust in government and democratic processes was endemic across western nations. They pointed to the UK, where far-right riots have broken out in the past week. Victoria police completely refutes any allegation that this investigation was improperly conducted, a spokesperson says. Composite: AAP/NSW police A 15-year-old boy was charged with murder and spent almost a year in custody after Victoria police detectives used a process described by a judge as corrupted to gather evidence against him and disregarded information pointing to other suspects, a Guardian investigation has found. The case then collapsed during a pre-trial hearing in which the judge said she was incredulous that the prosecution was pushing ahead with it despite flaws in the evidence used to identify the boy as the murderer. She described police conduct in investigating the case as remarkable. The murder charge was later withdrawn. Murder victim Aguer Akech was 17 when he died at a Melbourne railway station in 2019. Although no motive was established, detectives suspected one possibility was that he may have been killed because he had previously been a police witness. But some police officers involved in the investigation cannot be named because of a broad Victorian law preventing the identification of witnesses in cases that originate in the childrens court. Related: Crime and nourishment: the Koori court giving help and hope to traumatised kids The case sheds new light on how Victoria police pursued youth offenders of African-Australian background and provides another extraordinary example, in the wake of the Lawyer X and Jason Roberts controversies, of the force failing to properly disclose evidence to an accused. Fundamental flaws in the case Aguer was fatally stabbed during a fight at Keilor Plains station three days before Christmas in 2019. The 15-year-old accused, who cannot be named for legal reasons but who Guardian Australia will give the pseudonym James, was charged with murder in May 2020. He was released almost a year later after his lawyers revealed a series of fundamental flaws in the case. The prosecution was discontinued in mid-2021. Many of the failings in the homicide investigation were only uncovered after police had spent months withholding thousands of documents from the boys lawyers on the grounds that they were too sensitive to be provided. Those documents showed that detectives used flawed identification evidence in the case, while at the same time failing to investigate other suspects who had been nominated. Detectives suspected one potential motive for Aguers death was the fact that he gave evidence to police against other youths who he alleged were his co-offenders in another crime committed only months before he was stabbed. His father, Lual Akech, feels Aguer was failed twice by the force: first, as someone who trusted he would be safe after providing information to police, and then as the victim of an unsolved crime. Theres no justice, he told Guardian Australia. Lual and some people familiar with Jamess case believe the justice system failed both boys in part because of their race: the pair were South Sudanese-Australian. While the race of the boys was not raised as a factor in the case in the hundreds of pages of documents seen by Guardian Australia, lawyer and researcher Dr Tamar Hopkins said Victoria police had a history of treating people of African heritage differently. Police are far more willing to distrust African young people than anyone else, and bring cases against them where theres very little evidence to support the actual charge, she said. Victoria police rejected any suggestion that race influenced their investigation. The case also represents another example of Victoria police failing in its obligations under a legal process known as disclosure, which requires them to provide the accused with all relevant information they hold in a reasonable timeframe so it can be used in defending the charges. The force has been made to reckon with its handling of such matters as part of the Lawyer X and Jason Roberts controversies. In this instance, the force also failed to declare it had information nominating other suspects in the case. Victoria police said it treated disclosure matters with the utmost importance and ensured all employees complied with their legal obligations. Other suspects not pursued Court documents and transcripts reviewed by Guardian Australia show that seven other boys were nominated to the homicide squad as suspects, including boys identified by police from CCTV of the fight which involved about 30 youths. These suspects included a boy who a witness alleges threatened to kill Aguer at the train station the night of the murder, and who was allegedly seen by another witness holding a knife. Police were told by another witness that the boy had bragged about getting away with murder on social media after the stabbing death. Related: Inhumane treatment of kids in custody wont make Queenslanders safer. Empathy must triumph over fear | Natalie Lewis The DNA of another suspect nominated to police had been found on a car which was linked to the murder. Detectives who were considered by police to be experts in identifying youth offenders from the north-west also said that CCTV of the crime scene that the homicide squad believed showed James actually showed two different boys. The lead investigator in the case later told the supreme court under cross examination that these suspects were either not considered or eliminated. In some instances, police had no information that evidence such as the suspect bragging on social media about murdering James had been investigated at all, he told the court. Police have not found the murder weapon, there was no forensic evidence linking James to the crime, and detectives had no witnesses who had said they had seen James stab Aguer, or even holding a knife, the court heard. The police case essentially rested on two points: that CCTV footage of the crime showed what police said it did, and that the person in the footage was James. But Justice Elizabeth Hollingworth, who presided over James pre-trial court hearings, said police had almost no evidence to prove these points, despite the prosecutor earlier claiming to the court that they did. I am just sitting here incredulous, I cant think when Ive had a case like this, Hollingworth said. I am incredulous that this is proceeding quite frankly we havent had a single person identify [James as being] there. You might remember that I said innocently and quite naively [at an earlier hearing] are we going to get to some witnesses who are going to identify James? and I was told CCTV footage would reveal it and of course the CCTV footage is fraught with ambiguity about where things happened and who it might have been. Hollingworth was commenting at the end of s198B hearings, a court process in which lawyers for an accused can examine prosecution witnesses at a separate hearing before a full criminal trial begins. An extraordinary prosecution Police relied on statements from seven different officers to identify James from CCTV. While footage of the fight was, as the judge alluded to, of poor quality, clearer images had been taken from other cameras at the station of boys who police suspected were involved in the fight, including James. Police are required to follow a strict process for taking identity statements that protects the integrity of the evidence. Under this process, they must circulate an image or footage without additional information that could reveal who a suspect is. If someone believes they can identify the person, they prepare a statement. The process is designed to preserve the integrity of witnesses. Every time I think it cant get worse, it has Justice Elizabeth Hollingworth The process was not followed in relation to seven statements provided by police who claimed to have been able to identify James from the footage, court documents show. The court heard that some police made a critical omission from the identification statements they provided. These police said they had independently identified James in the CCTV footage, but neglected to mention they had already been told James was a suspect. To have gone through the process that they went through of not [showing witnesses] photo boards, not asking any of the witnesses for any identification, and to have gone through and I use the word corrupted advisably its quite a corrupted process of obtaining police statements, is remarkable in my experience, quite remarkable, Hollingworth said. Quite frankly every time [the officer in charge of the investigation] comes up with an answer and I think it cant get worse, it has. Its an extraordinary prosecution. I use the word remarkable and extraordinary advisably. I cant think of when I have seen a prosecution that has proceeded in this manner. Several of these officers who took part in this corrupted process previously dealt with James as part of Operation Wayward, a youth crime taskforce focused on Melbournes north-west which championed proactive policing. Documents seen by Guardian Australia show that homicide squad officers relied heavily on intelligence gathered by the taskforce as part of their investigation. None of the officers involved in the case who appeared in court as witnesses can be named because of a section of the Children Youth and Families Act that restricts the publication of any particulars likely to lead to the identification of a witness in the proceeding without the permission of the president of the court or a magistrate. Victorian law contains strict provisions designed to protect young people who are involved in childrens court proceedings. The Children Youth and Families Act makes it an offence to publish any particulars likely to lead to the identification of a child or witness to a proceeding in the childrens court, or arising from a proceeding in that court. But, in the case of Aguer Akech, that law also protects the identity of police officers involved in a prosecution described by an incredulous supreme court judge as extraordinary. Because the case originated in the childrens court, it means the officers who were cross-examined as prosecution witnesses during pre-trial hearings in the supreme court cannot be named. This is despite seven of those officers having serious questions raised about their evidence by lawyers for the accused in the case, and the judge in the matter, Justice Elizabeth Hollingworth, agreeing that the police had engaged in a flawed identification process. The identity of childrens court witnesses, and the location of the court itself, is protected under section 534 of the act. While this prohibition is understandable in relation to some adult witnesses, such as family members of youth offenders, the risk that naming a police officer would in turn lead to the identification of a child is likely minimal. Any breach of that section carries a maximum penalty of two years' prison or an almost $20,000 fine for individuals, and an almost $100,000 fine for body corporates. Furthermore, the Victorian Open Courts Act, which is designed to regulate what information is available in the states court system, expressly states that it does not apply to this section, making applications to challenge it difficult. Permission can be granted by the president of the childrens court or a magistrate to lift the prohibitions, but in order for a magistrate to do so they must be satisfied that the circumstances giving rise to the request are an emergency, and that publication is necessary for the safety of a child or other party to the proceeding, or to any other person in the community. Victoria police said it was limited in what it could specifically say in relation to the case as the homicide squad investigation remained active and ongoing. Victoria police completely refutes any allegation that this investigation was improperly conducted. It was a difficult and complex matter, and one we are still committed to resolving for the victims family, a spokesperson said. Related: Victoria to raise age of criminal responsibility to 12 with no exceptions It is certainly not correct to suggest that the cultural background of the victim had any impact on the work of, or the level of commitment from, homicide squad investigators. The squad is staffed with dedicated and experienced detectives who are fully committed to providing justice for families impacted by these violent crimes. Every victim is afforded a full and thorough investigation regardless of their background and circumstances. Regarding disclosure, the force said advice was sought on a number of occasions from the [Victorian government solicitors office] and a significant amount of time was required to undertake redaction of a large amount of material. The Office of Public Prosecutions said that during the s198B hearings evidence was adduced which revealed a number of important deficiencies in the identification evidence. Following the s 198B hearings, the case was thoroughly and expeditiously reviewed again. As a consequence of that review, the Director of Public Prosecutions formed the view that there were not reasonable prospects of conviction, an OPP spokesperson said. Accordingly, the prosecution was discontinued. The basis of the decision to discontinue the prosecution, including deficiencies with the identification evidence, was communicated to Victoria police. The spokesperson said that disclosure obligations were shared between investigators and prosecutors, but that generally the role each party plays in assessing whether all relevant material has been disclosed will depend on who has possession of the information. Do you know more? Email nino.bucci@theguardian.com Many of Sir Keir Starmer's MPs would like him to reset relations with the European Union - NEIL HALL/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Britains economic growth does not depend on the European Union, a leading economist has warned. Dr Gerard Lyons said the new Prime Minister must resist siren calls to rejoin the blocs single market and instead take full advantage of Brexit. In a research paper he said pro-EU voices had overstated the benefits of membership and Labour would be better off focusing on domestic challenges. His remarks came after Sir Keir promised a reset of relations with Europe, which includes making upgrades to the Boris Johnson-era trade deal. Sir Keir has said he wants to strike an agri-food deal with Brussels that would ease border checks but also require alignment with EU rules. He also hopes to secure an agreement on recognition of professional qualifications, but the EU is likely to ask for free movement for under-25s in return. Many of his MPs would like Sir Keir to go further and see the reset in relations as a first step towards rejoining the bloc. Dr Gerard Lyons said rejoining the EU will not provide a solution to the UK's growth challenge - Jeff Gilbert Dr Lyons, who advised Liz Truss when she was in No 10, urged the Prime Minister to rebuff those calls and turn his focus to domestic problems. In a paper for the Centre for Policy Studies, he wrote: The Government needs to have the confidence to stand its ground on remaining outside of EU institutions. Rejoining the EU, its single market or its customs union will not provide a solution to the UKs growth challenge and should not be part of any pro-growth strategy, despite the recent clamour from some for this. The major challenges facing the UK have long predated Brexit and solutions are not reliant on being in the EU. Dr Lyons said that a shortfall in international investment, which has long been identified as a key weakness of the economy, pre-dated joining the EU. He added that the trade deficit problem, in which the country imports far more than it exports, developed in the 1980s while the UK was a member. The economist said much of the clamour for Britain to rejoin the single market was based on a misunderstanding of our underlying growth issues. Our future relationship with the EU must be based on an accurate assessment of the current situation, not wishful thinking, he said. That is not the situation we find ourselves in. Britain voted to leave and we need to take full advantage of the trade and regulatory opportunities that are now available to us. Economically damaging narrative Dr Lyons also criticised previous Tory governments, saying they had failed to deliver a properly thought-out post-Brexit economic policy. He said their failure to capitalise on leaving the EU had helped to create an economically damaging narrative about the UK on the global stage. Sir Keir has repeatedly ruled out rejoining the single market or the customs union, or allowing a return to freedom of movement. That pledge was contained in Labours manifesto and he has said they are red lines he will not cross in the pursuit of a better trade deal with Brussels. Ted Cruz and Steve Scalise are among the climate change deniers in Congress. Composite: UPI, REX/Shutterstock US politics is an outlier bastion of climate denial with nearly one in four members of Congress dismissing the reality of climate change, even as alarm has grown among the American public over dangerous global heating, an analysis has found. A total of 123 elected federal representatives 100 in the House of Representatives and 23 US senators deny the existence of human-caused climate change, all of them Republicans, according to a recent study of statements made by current members. Its definitely concerning, said Kat So, campaign manager for energy and environment campaigns at the Center for American Progress, who wrote the report. The report defined climate deniers as those who say that the climate crisis is not real or not primarily caused by humans, or claim that climate science is not settled, that extreme weather is not caused by global warming or that planet-warming pollution is beneficial. It also highlights examples of denial from representatives. Of course the climate is changing, the Texas senator Ted Cruz said in 2018. The climate has been changing from the dawn of time. The climate will change as long as we have a planet Earth. Other instances are more recent. Weve had freezing periods in the 1970s. They said it was going to be a new cooling period, the Florida representative Steve Scalise said in a 2021 interview, referencing long-debunked research that is often still cited by climate deniers. And now it gets warmer and gets colder, and thats called Mother Nature. But the idea that hurricanes or wildfires were caused just in the last few years is just fallacy. Climate-denying lawmakers have received a combined $52m in lifetime campaign donations from the fossil fuel industry, the report also found. NEW @amprog report finds that 123 members of the 118th Congress outrightly deny the scientific consensus on human-caused climate change. Explore the full list of members & read the report here:https://t.co/XXI7FfZ2mr pic.twitter.com/Ql9wW6rlIZ CAP Energy Policy (@CAPenergypolicy) July 31, 2024 The research shows that the American public, perhaps uniquely among people in developed countries, is represented disproportionately by climate deniers. Although 23% of the entire US Congress is composed of those who dismiss the climate crisis, polls show the proportion of Americans who share this view is significantly smaller, by as much as half. Even as a quarter of US lawmakers deny the climate crisis, the American public has been moving significantly in the other direction. Fewer than one in five people in the US reject the findings of climate science, according to various studies, with long-running polling by Yale University showing that those they class as dismissive stand at just 11%. While this slice of the American public opinion has remained largely unchanged in recent years, a much larger, growing cohort is worried about the climate crisis following a string of record hot years and a parade of wildfires, storms and other climate-fueled events. More than half of Americans are now alarmed or concerned about climate change, the Yale surveys find. The amount of people at each end of the spectrum alarmed and dismissive were essentially tied back in 2013 but today there are three alarmed people for every one dismissive, so theres been a fundamental shift in how people see climate change in the US, said Anthony Leiserowitz, an expert in climate public opinion at Yale. Though the portion of lawmakers who deny the climate crisis is stunning, it has been steadily declining in recent years. Just five years ago, 150 lawmakers denied the crisis. But many elected officials who dont deny the crisis still use anti-climate rhetoric and work to thwart greenhouse gas curbing policies. The Florida representative Mario Diaz-Balart, for instance, previously used the language of climate denial, but more recently described climate change as being more of a religion a different form of climate obstruction, the report says. He has also continued to oppose climate aid. There are lots of harmful ways to talk about climate and act on it, said So. Just because they accept the scientific findings or say they believe in climate change doesnt mean that they are not still obstructing climate action, or using rhetoric that is antithetical to climate action. Naomi Oreskes, a history of science professor at Harvard University who has long studied anti-climate rhetoric, said it was unsurprising that the report found old-school climate denial is on the decline. Its harder to deny the science when its so much more apparent that the climate is warming, that extreme weather is getting worse and happening constantly, she said. Nobody can deny the science with a straight face, given everything. She noted, however, that the fossil fuel industry and its allies have long used a variety of messaging to rebuff concerns about the climate. She said she was unsure those other forms of rhetoric were any less harmful. As far back as the 1990s, they were saying renewable energy isnt reliable enough, or they were saying that wind power kills whales, she said. Is it really so different from climate denial if you dont deny the science but you deny the possibility of solutions? Among ordinary people, Leiserowitz said the views of the relatively small group of people who deny that temperatures are warming, or tie climate science to conspiracy theories involving Al Gore or the United Nations, are often exaggerated both politically and throughout US society. This small minority of Americans are really vocal, they are more likely to vote and clearly they are more than adequately represented in the halls of Congress, he said. They are punching above their weight and having an undue influence on the public square, to the extent that most people dont want to talk about climate change because they think half of the country doesnt believe in it. Theres a culture of silence climate has joined sex, religion and politics as the topics not to bring up at the Thanksgiving table. Political polarization and the prevalence of safe congressional seats, which encourage candidates to hew to more extreme views in order to secure key party primary contests, have helped entrench this imbalance, Leiserowitz said, along with a flood of donations from the fossil fuel industry. Apple Intelligence has yet to impress its customers and live up to its hype as the company planned a slow release of features to the public. The announced features of the new AI software will have their debut in iOS 18, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, probably a month after the new iPhone arrives. Read Also : Apple Intelligence Debuts With AI Models Trained on Google's Custom Chips Apple Intelligence Releases on Developers Program Earlier this month, Apple officially launched the developer beta for iOS 18.1 for registered developers. The new software is available for those who pay the $99 annual fee for the program, allowing developers to gain early access. Previous reports have shown that Apple intends to publicly release its much-awaited AI software in October. This means that the next-generation iPhone will arrive first to the customers before they experience Apple Intelligence. Bloomberg shared that the first beta version of the software has yet to live up to the excitement as claimed by the company. The features are still far from the promised capabilities during its introduction. Apple Intelligence Limits Features for First Beta Version The first beta version opens a new world to the Apple ecosystem. For instance, Apple Intelligence offers suggested replies to texts in the Messages and Mail apps. Most of the early features are also focused on summarizing content from an Apple app. It could summarize text, emails, web searches, and notifications based on the content. The Writing Tools offers a set of features that can transform selected texts into lists or tables. It could also summarize and improve the context depending on the appropriate tone needed. The new Siri interface is the highlighted feature of Apple Intelligence. The glowing animation once Siri is enabled is now available. However, much of the promised advanced capabilities of the digital assistant are yet to come. Apple assured that the fully revamped Siri will be available in 2025. The trail of rockets fired from Gaza toward Israel, as seen from the southern Gaza Strip - HAITHAM IMAD/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock The US commander in charge of forces in the Middle East arrived in Israel for joint preparations over an expected revenge attack from Iran and Hezbollah. General Michael Erik Kurilla met Israeli army chief, Lieutenant-General Herzi Halevi, and held a joint situational assessment on security and strategic issues, as well as joint preparations in the region, as part of the response to threats in the Middle East, a statement said. Meanwhile, a senior ally of Vladimir Putin arrived in Tehran for talks with the Iranian president and his top security officials as the Islamic Republic weighs how to punish Israel. Though Mr Putin has yet to comment in public on the recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East, he has grown closer to Iran since the was in Ukraine Senior Russian officials have said that those behind the killing of Ismail Haniyeh were seeking to scuttle any hope of peace in the Middle East and to draw the United States into military action. 06:35 PM BST Thats all for now Thanks for following our live coverage on the crisis in the Middle East. This blog is now closed. 06:26 PM BST Jordans king warns in call with Biden of Israeli hostile acts in Jerusalem Jordans King Abdullah, in a phone call on Monday with US president Joe Biden, warned of what he called hostile acts by Israeli settlers that threaten the status quo of Jerusalems holy sites, the royal court said in a statement. 06:09 PM BST Nine UNRWA staff may have been involved in Oct 7 attack on Israel, says UN Nine staff members of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees may have been involved in the Oct 7 Hamas attack on Israel, and their employment will be terminated, the United Nations said on Monday. For nine people, the evidence was sufficient to conclude that they may have been involved in the seventh of October attacks, deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said. 06:02 PM BST Germany preparing to evacuate nationals out of Lebanon Germany is preparing to evacuate its nationals from Lebanon and elsewhere in the Middle East amid concerns over an escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran and the Hezbollah, Spiegel magazine reported on Monday. Germanys air force has been readying a small fleet of A400M transport aircraft that could shuttle people from Beirut to Cyprus, Spiegel said, without specifying its sources. 05:54 PM BST Biden and Jordans King discuss efforts to decrease Mideast tensions US president Joe Biden and Jordans King Abdullah discussed efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East on Monday, the White House said after Iran vowed to retaliate against Israel over the killing of a Hamas leader in Tehran. The leaders discussed their efforts to de-escalate regional tensions, including through an immediate ceasefire and hostage release deal, the White House said in a statement. 05:31 PM BST Israel army says US Centcom chief in Israel to assess security The Israeli military said the head of US Central Command, General Michael Kurilla, arrived in Israel on Monday to assess the security situation. He met Israeli army chief, Lieutenant-General Herzi Halevi, and held a joint situational assessment on security and strategic issues, as well as joint preparations in the region, as part of the response to threats in the Middle East, a statement said. 05:20 PM BST Israelis mark Gaza hostage Ariel Bibass fifth birthday Thousands of Israelis have gathered in Tel Aviv to mark the fifth birthday of Ariel Bibas, held hostage in Gaza, and to call for the liberation of him and his family. Ariel, his baby brother Kfir, who would now be one year old, were kidnapped along with their parents Yarden and Shiri from their homes in Nir Oz kibbutz community near Gaza on October 7 when Hamas attacked southern Israel. Kfir Bibas is the youngest of the 251 people taken hostage by militants that day. People commemorate the fifth birthday of Ariel Bibas - REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes Hamas said in November that the two boys and their mother were killed in an Israeli bombardment of Gaza. Israel has yet to confirm if they are alive. Its a hard day for us and we hope that we can change this reality, the one where two children are still captive in Gaza, Eli Bibas, their grandfather, said at the march. Some participants held a photo of Ariel bearing the words, a deal now, in reference to a Gaza ceasefire agreement that would secure the hostages release. 05:04 PM BST Frances Macron calls for restraint Frances president Emmanuel Macron said he had spoken to the leaders of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia and all three had urged restraint to avoid an escalation in the Middle East. I have spoken to president Mohamed bin Zayed and crown prince Mohammed bin Salman on the situation in the Middle East. We call on all actors to be responsible and show restraint to avoid a regional conflagration, he wrote in a social media post. Je me suis entretenu avec le President Mohamed bin Zayed et le Prince heritier Mohammed Ben Salman sur la situation au Proche-Orient. Nous appelons tous les acteurs a la responsabilite et a la retenue pour eviter un embrasement regional. Personne n'a interet a une escalade. Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 5, 2024 04:54 PM BST ICYMI: Israeli strike hits school and hospital camp in Gaza 04:38 PM BST Almost half of Hamass battalions have been rebuilt Palestinians rush towards a school complex in Gaza City after it was hit in an Israeli bombardment on August 3 - AFP Nearly half of Hamass battalions in northern and central Gaza have rebuilt themselves despite nearly 10 months of Israeli pummeling, according to a new report. The research shows that as of July 1 only three of Hamass 24 battalions have been destroyed. Among the reasons are the groups ability to replenish their ranks, make effective use of scarce resources and employ guerilla tactics. Several units have made a comeback in key areas Israel said it had cleared, according to the analysis by CNN, the Institute for the Study of War and the Critical Threats Project. The Israelis would say that they cleared a place, but they havent defeated these fighters at all, said Brian Carter who led the joint research. [Hamas] are ready to fight and want to fight. Eight battalions are combat effective and the remaining 13 have been degraded, the analysis showed, with those in central Gaza the least damaged and the northern battalions rebuilding the fastest. 04:30 PM BST Jordan asks airlines to carry extra fuel Jordan has requested all airlines landing at its airports carry 45 minutes of reserve fuel, in what experts see as a precautionary measure in case of an attack by Iran against Israel. Some airlines are already avoiding Iranian and Lebanese airspace and cancelling flights to Israel and Lebanon, as concerns grow over a possible conflict in the region after the killing of senior members of Hamas and Hezbollah last week. The NOTAM, a safety notice provided to pilots, was issued on Sunday by Jordanian authorities, asking all airlines to carry the reserve fuel for operational reasons. It is effective until 2200 GMT on Tuesday. 04:26 PM BST Biden to meet national security chiefs Joe Biden was to hold crisis talks with his national security team today as fears grow of an Iranian attack on Israel in retaliation for the killing of a Hamas leader in Tehran. Mr Biden will also call Jordans King Abdullah II as part of a flurry of diplomacy aimed at preventing the situation in the Middle East from spiraling into an all-out war. The United States has deployed extra fighter jets and warplanes to the region to support Israel, as reports suggested Iran could respond as soon as Monday to the killing of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh. Mr Biden was due to meet his national security team in the Situation Room in the White House to discuss developments in the Middle East after flying back from a weekend at his home in Wilmington, Delaware, the White House said. 03:56 PM BST Turkey to submit bid to join South Africas ICJ genocide case against Israel Hakan Fidan, the Turkish foreign minister, said that Turkey would formally submit its declaration of intervention in South Africas genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague on Wednesday. Turkey had announced in May that it had decided to join the case launched by South Africa as it stepped up measures against Israel over its assault on Gaza, and that it would submit a bid after the necessary legal preparations. 03:39 PM BST Iran warns airlines of potential GPS disruptions over the country Iran has issued a notice to airlines, known as a NOTAM, warning of GPS disruptions over the country. The significance of the disruptions is not immediately clear, nor who may be behind them, though GPS disruptions are sometimes used to confuse the targeting of precision-guided missiles, the Times of Israel reported. 03:28 PM BST Israel returns 80 Palestinian bodies Israel has returned the bodies of more than 80 Palestinians killed in its military offensive in the Gaza Strip, as Israeli airstrikes killed at least 18 more people on Monday, Gazan authorities said. Yamen Abu Suleiman, the director of the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service in Khan Younis, said it was unclear whether the bodies had been dug up from cemeteries by the army during the ground offensive, or whether they were detainees who had been tortured and killed. The occupation provided us with no information about the names, or ages, or anything. This is a war crime, a crime against humanity, Abu Suleiman said. 03:09 PM BST Irish citizens told not to travel to Israel Irish citizens have been warned not to travel to Israel due to fears of an Iranian attack on the country. Taoiseach Simon Harris said the Department of Foreign Affairs had updated its travel advice and was also advising citizens not to travel to Lebanon and Palestine, which Dublin recognised as a state earlier this year.. Our travel advice for Israel has changed due to growing instability in the region. The Government is now advising Irish citizens do not travel to Israel. The same advice applies to Lebanon and Palestine, Mr Harris said. The Foreign Affairs department added: The security situation across both Israel and Palestine remains tense and unpredictable, with the potential for intense escalation. Please continue to exercise caution, monitor local media regularly, follow the advice of local authorities, and observe any additional security measures imposed during this time. There is a risk of rocket fire, drone infiltration and ballistic missiles which can occur without warning, and can disrupt civilian infrastructure, including transportation and communications. We strongly advise that travellers make themselves familiar with the location of their closest protected location. Our travel advice for Israel has changed due to growing instability in the region. The government is now advising Irish citizens do not travel to Israel. The same advice applies to Lebanon and Palestine. Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) August 5, 2024 02:45 PM BST Gallant: We are ready for quick transition to offence As Israel readies itself for a possible retaliatory attack by Iran, Yoav Gallant, Israels defence minister, said the military was ready for a quick transition to offense. Speaking to the IDFs headquarters in Tel Aviv, he said: Our enemies are carefully considering their steps thanks to the abilities you have demonstrated in the last year. However, we must prepare for all possibilities, including a quick transition to offense. Israels defence ministry added that Mr Gallant studied the Israeli Air Forces preparations for the possibilities of offensive action in all combat sectors. 02:21 PM BST Cairo denies existence of active tunnels between Egypt and Gaza A high-ranking Egyptian official has denied the existence of active tunnels between the Gaza Strip and Egypt after Israel allegedly uncovered dozens of them. The unnamed official source told Al-Qahera News that reports in the Israeli media about the tunnels are allegations intended to help justify Israels ongoing war against Hamas. They added that Jerusalem has not provided evidence of these passages being open and in use. On Sunday, the IDF releases footage of an unusually large Hamas tunnel close to the Gaza-Egypt border that appears to have been for vehicle passage. Dozens of tunnels have been found along the Philadelphi Corridor, Israels military has said, including at least 25 that crossed into Egypt. Read more on the tunnel discovery here. The IDF shared images on Sunday of an unusually large tunnel on the Gaza-Egypt border area it uncovered - Telegram/IDF 01:51 PM BST US prepares to defend Israel As the US wakes up this Monday morning, the White House is bracing for potential escalation in the Middle East. Joe Biden is scheduled to speak on the phone with Jordans King Abdullah II, a critical US ally, later this morning Washington time. The phone call is part of a round of US diplomacy focused on cooling tensions between Iran and Israel. Mr Biden will also convene his national security team later on Monday to discuss developments in the Middle East, the White House has said. It comes as the US president deployed extra fighter jets and warships to the region amid growing fears of an Iranian attack. Jon Finer, the White Houses deputy national security adviser, said the overall goal of the US efforts is to turn the temperature down in the region. 01:35 PM BST Israel seizes 20m in tax funds intended for Palestinian Authority Israels far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has ordered the seizure of 100 million shekels (20 million) in tax funds intended for the Palestinian Authority, saying it would be used to pay for Israeli victims of terrorism. In a statement issued late on Sunday, the finance ministry said the confiscation of funds was part of measures to combat terrorism. The statement quoted Mr Smotrich as accusing the Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, of diverting the funds to the families of terrorists. 12:50 PM BST Israel fears infiltration attacks ordered by Iran Israel has sent reinforcements to towns bordering the West Bank over fears of possible infiltrations, the Israel Defence Forces radio service has reported. Army Radio said Israel received intelligence about imminent Palestinian ground attacks from the Israeli-occupied territory, directed by Iran and Hamas. It warned that the West Bank could soon become a main arena in Israels war on Hamas as violence flared in the region, and with tensions high over the war in Gaza and a potential regional escalation. Israel is braced for a major attack from Iran and its proxies after assassinations in Beirut and Tehran last week. Israeli airstrikes on the West Bank killed nine suspected militants on Saturday, while a Palestinian from the West Bank killed two Israeli civilians and wounded two more in a stabbing spree near Tel Aviv on Sunday. The aftermath of violent clashes between Palestinians and Israeli settlers in the West Bank - Anadolu 12:39 PM BST Like a compound: Israels Olympians under tight security Security is tight for Israels team at the Paris Olympics as Middle East tensions spiral amid lingering memories of the 1972 massacre of Israeli athletes at the Munich Games. The 88 members of the Israeli delegation are accompanied by elite French police and gendarmerie units wherever they go a security deployment that is not always easy to manage. We have armed guards with us 24/7, said Ashlee Bond, a member of Israels showjumping team. Our place where were staying is like a compound. We cant go out of the village without armed guards. And we can only go from the village [to competition site] and back. Israel had won six Olympic medals by Monday one gold, four silver and one bronze already a record in its Olympic history. Ashlee Bond of Israel competes in the showjumping final at the Olympic Games - Zohra Bensemra/Reuters 12:25 PM BST Russian security chief arrives in Tehran Russias security council secretary arrived in Tehran on Monday for talks with the Iranian leadership, including Masoud Pezeshkian, the president. Sergei Shoigus is visiting at a time of acute tension in the Middle East amid fears of a wider regional war after Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Palestinian militant group Hamas, was assassinated in Tehran last week. Iran has blamed Israel and said it will punish it. Israeli officials have not claimed responsibility. Mr Shoigu, who was Russias defence minister before being moved to the security council in May, will also meet Irans national security chief and the head of the general staff, Russias Interfax news agency reported. Sergei Shoigu, seen with Vladimir Putin in 2018, was previously defence minister - Alexey Nikolsky/AFP 12:07 PM BST Turkey to hold talks with Instagram over ban Turkeys government will hold talks with Instagram officials on Monday after blocking access to the social media platform last week. The move came after a senior Turkish official accused Instagram of blocking condolence posts following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Fahrettin Altun criticised Instagram for alleged censorship, pure and simple, over what he called its decision to bar condolence posts for Haniyeh after his killing in Tehran on July 31. Pro-Palestinian protestors stage a rally in Istanbul to condemn the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Aug 3 - Kemal Aslan/AFP 11:44 AM BST Israel to consider preemptive strike on Iran if attack imminent - report Israel could consider launching a pre-emptive strike on Iran if it uncovered definite evidence that Tehran was about to launch an attack, according to an Israeli media report. On Sunday night, Benjamin Netanyahu summoned Israels security chiefs for an emergency meeting amid preparations for an Iranian response to the back-to-back assassinations of a Hezbollah military chief and Hamass political head. The security cabinet discussed the option of striking Iran as a deterrence measure, Ynet said, citing Israeli officials who were at the talks. It added that such a move would only be authorised if its own intelligence could completely confirm an attack was coming. Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem on Aug 4 - AFP 11:16 AM BST Lebanon prepares for war as hospitals stock up and holidaymakers leave Lebanon has received emergency medical supplies to equip its hospitals for possible war injuries, while Beirut airport was teeming with people trying to leave the country amid fears a full-scale conflict was on the horizon. Hospitals in southern Lebanon, where most of the tit-for-tat exchanges between Hezbollah and the Israeli military have taken place, are worn down by a years-long economic meltdown and have struggled to cope with wounded patients over the last 10 months. On Monday, the World Health Organization delivered 32 tons of medical supplies to Lebanons health ministry, including at least 1,000 trauma kits to treat possible war wounded. The goal is to be ready to deal with any emergency, said Firass Abiad, the health minister. 11:04 AM BST Gazan health ministry says war death toll at 39,623 The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said on Monday that at least 39,623 people have been killed in nearly 10 months of war. The toll includes 40 deaths in the past 24 hours, according to ministry figures, which also list 91,469 people as having been wounded in the Gaza Strip since the war began when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct 7. The ministry does not distinguish between civilian and combat deaths and its figures cannot be independently verified. Palestinians leave their homes in Khan Younis after a new evacuation order was issued by the IDF - Mohammed Saber/Shutterstock The aftermath of an Israeli air strike on two schools in Gaza on Sunday - Mahmoud Issa/Anadolu 10:40 AM BST Iran will try to wear us out, says official, as Israel braces for multi-day attack Israel is preparing for a potential multi-day attack by Iran and its ally Hezbollah following the assassination of two top 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. Theyll just try to wear us out, they said. Such an attack threatens to overwhelm Israels air defence systems. This was also Irans aim when it attacked on April 13, firing 3,000 ballistic, cruise and and drones in tight volleys. The majority where intercepted by Israeli and US forces, with Hezbollah mostly staying out of the fight. 10:23 AM BST Iran rejects calls for restraint amid fears of imminent attack on Israel Iran is said to have rejected US calls to exercise restraint in its retaliation for the killing of Hamass political leader in Tehran as Israel braces for an imminent attack. Over the weekend, Iranian officials told Arab diplomats they would not de-escalate, as requested by the US, but strike Israel even if it meant war, sources told the Wall Street Journal. On Sunday, Antony Blinken, US secretary of state, told his G7 allies that an attack by Iran and Hezbollah on Israel could start as early as Monday, three sources briefed on the call told Axios. The US has raced to dispatch diplomatic and military support to help defend its ally, moving additional warplanes and warships to the region, while the UK said it had Royal Navy ships and RAF helicopters on standby. Jordan sent its top diplomat on a rare trip to Iran on Sunday, while the Lebanese foreign minister headed to Cairo to diffuse tensions. Mourners carry the coffin of Ismail Haniyeh during his funeral in Tehran on Aug 1 - Reuters Iranians burn an Israeli flag during the funeral of Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas leader - Majid Saeedi/Getty 10:06 AM BST Iran says it does not want regional escalation but must punish Israel Iran is not looking to escalate regional tensions but believes it needs to punish Israel to prevent further instability, a foreign ministry spokesman said on Monday. Iran seeks to establish stability in the region, but this will only come with punishing the aggressor and creating deterrence against the adventurism of the Zionist regime [Israel], Nasser Kanaani said, adding that action from Tehran was inevitable. He added that Iran had a legal right to respond to the assassination in Tehran last week of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, an attack blamed on Israel. Mr Kanaani also called on the US to stop supporting Israel, saying the international community had failed in its duty to safeguard stability in the region and should support the punishment of the aggressor. 09:28 AM BST Lebanon says two dead in Israeli strike Lebanons health ministry said two people were killed on Monday in an Israeli strike on the countrys south, where Hezbollah has been trading near-daily fire with Israel since the start of the Gaza war in October. The enemy raid that took place near the [Mais Al-Jabal] towns cemetery killed two people, Lebanons health ministry said in a statement. One of the two martyrs who fell in the Mais Al-Jabal raid this morning was a Risala Scouts paramedic, Lebanons state-run National News Agency said. 09:03 AM BST Australia raises terror threat to probable over Israel-Hamas war tensions The Australian government on Monday elevated the nations terrorism threat alert level from possible to probable, citing concerns about increasing radicalisation among young people and community tensions over the Israel-Hamas war. It is the first time the threat level has been elevated to the midpoint of the five-tier National Terrorism Threat Advisory System since Nov 2022. The level had been probable the previous eight years. I want to reassure Australians probable does not mean inevitable, and it does not mean there is intelligence about an imminent threat or danger, Anthony Albanese, Australias prime minister, said. The advice that weve received is that more Australians are embracing a more diverse range of extreme ideologies and it is our responsibility to be vigilant, Mr Albanese added. Anthony Albanese (left), Australia's prime minister, stands with Mike Burgess, director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) in Canberra, Aug 5 - AAP 08:40 AM BST Ultra-Orthodox Jews protest against conscription Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men demonstrate against military conscription at Tel HaShomer recruitment base, in Ramat Gan, Israel - Ricardo Moraes/Reuters The Israeli Supreme Court ruled in June that the defence ministry could no longer grant blanket exemptions to Jewish seminary students from military conscription - Ricardo Moraes/Reuters More than 60,000 ultra-Orthodox men are registered as yeshiva students and the army has been told to draft 3,000 from this community - Ricardo Moraes/Reuters 08:26 AM BST Japan and Turkey tell their citizens to leave Lebanon Japan and Turkey have become the latest countries to warn their citizens to leave Lebanon amid fears of a wider war breaking out across the Middle East. The Japanese foreign ministry issued a travel alert on Monday, urging its citizens in Lebanon to evacuate the country in light of the rising tensions in the region. Turkey also told its nationals to leave, saying: Those who do not need to stay in Lebanon should leave Lebanon while commercial flights are still operating, if possible. It added that Turks should avoid travelling to Lebanon unless essential. On Sunday, France and Italy issued an alert for their citizens to leave due to the risk of military escalation. 08:12 AM BST Israeli warplanes strike Hezbollah weapons storage Israels military said its warplanes struck a Hezbollah weapons storage facility and several other targets overnight in southern Lebanon. Its artillery forces also fired toward the areas of Shebaa and Rachaya Al Foukhar, the IDF said, posting footage of the strikes. , . , - >> pic.twitter.com/pbom2MOb0C (@idfonline) August 5, 2024 08:09 AM BST Hezbollah launches drone attack that wounds Israeli troops Hezbollah said it launched a drone attack early on Monday on northern Israel. The Israeli military said the attack wounded two Israeli troops and started a fire. The Iranian-backed Lebanese group said in a statement it targeted a military base in northern Israel in response to attacks and assassinations carried out by Israel in several villages in south Lebanon. It comes a day after it launched a barrage of dozens of rockets at Israel, which the IDF said it had intercepted most of and reported no injuries. The attack did not appear to be part of a more intense retaliation expected in response to the killing of a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon last week. Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged near-daily strikes for the past 10 months against the backdrop of the war in Gaza, but they have previously kept the conflict at a low level that had not escalated into full-on war. 08:09 AM BST G7 urges de-escalation in Middle East The Group of Seven major democracies urged restraint and de-escalation in the Middle East on Monday, saying that recent events threatened to ignite a broader conflict in the region. The G7 urged all involved parties once again to refrain from perpetuating the current destructive cycle of retaliatory violence, to lower tensions and engage constructively toward de-escalation in a statement. 08:08 AM BST Hello and welcome to our live coverage Were bringing you all the latest from the crisis in the Middle East as Israel braces for a retaliatory attack from Iran and its regional proxies. Dolce & Gabbana promotes Fefe, an alcohol-free 'scented mist' for dogs created with ylang ylang, musk and sandalwood Dolce & Gabbana has released a luxury 84 new perfume for your dog. Unlike previous years, its latest scent is not fronted by the actors Scarlett Johansson or Colin Farrell, but instead the advert features a golden-haired poodle, pomeranian, dachshund and chihuahua. Its new perfume, called Fefe, is the first scent for dogs launched by a major fashion house and claims to be an olfactory masterpiece. The alcohol-free scent, which costs 84 for 100ml, features a blend of sandalwood and ylang-ylang flowers, the latter of which is considered a human aphrodisiac. Fefe is named after the pet dog owned by Domenico Dolce, the companys co-founder and inspired by his unwavering love for the miniature poodle. The bottle for the new dog perfume from Dolce & Gabbana Dolce was said to have fallen in love with the miniature poodle after being given it by Stefano Gabbana, his partner and D&Gs co-founder. Gabbana had previously adopted the dog but said it was incompatible with his cat. Dolce named the puppy after a pet in an old Italian comedy film. Its the diminutive of Raffaele, which means gift from God, Dolce told Corriere della Sera, an Italian newspaper. And I, as a good Catholic, considered that this dog really was a gift from God. He said Fefe loved going out for a walk, which involved being carried in a bag. Dolce & Gabbana consulted vets, animal behaviour specialists and dog owners ahead of the product launch. It claimed the scent, which was created by Emilie Bevierre-Coppermann, Dolce & Gabbanas master perfumier, was approved by vets, enjoyed by dogs and safety tested. However one vet has dismissed the new product as a waste of money. Fabian Rivers, a welfare ambassador for the RSPCA, told The Times that most dog toiletries were lowbrow products that cost less than 15. Mr Rivers said: The fact that theyre coming into this market at such a high price is an interesting way of having people spend their money on things that have very little merit. But its your choice on how to spend your money. He warned that owners might use the spray to mask a pets unpleasant smell rather than consulting a vet about possible skin infections. Sense of smell not affected Mr Rivers said dogs sense of smell wouldnt be affected, but claimed they may find the smell distracting or unpleasurable. Clearly, a wealthier demographic are finding new ways to spend their money, which I find frustrating at a time when people are struggling, he added. Pet shampoo, balsams, perfumes and deodorants are already on the market, including Aesops dog shampoo in the US for $43 (33). Bloomberg estimates the pet economy is worth 250 billion a year worldwide, with forecasts projecting the markets value could exceed 390 billion by 2030 as owners buy luxury apparel, carriers and toys. Pupils sit an average of 30 hours of GCSE exams in their last summer at secondary school. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PA Ditching phonics screening, slimming down bulging GCSE courses and increasing childrens agency over their schooling are among education experts suggestions for the governments curriculum and assessment review in England, which is scheduled to begin later this summer. As ProfBecky Francis, an expert in education policy, prepares to take up her new role as chair of the review next week, the Guardian spoke to experts about the changes they would like to see when the findings are published next year. Let children make choices about their learning Im going to call this childrens agency, said Dominic Wyse, a professor of early childhood and primary education at University College Londons education institute. What I mean is the opportunity for children to make choices about their learning, to be properly consulted in their learning. Theyre almost ghosts in the [current] national curriculum. We need more focus on the learner, their interests and their needs than there is at the moment Im not advocating a wholesale switch to some sort of wacky, extreme form of child-centred education, although Im sure my views in some places will be characterised like that. Less emphasis on grammar and phonics in primary schools The amount of technical grammatical terms that children have to learn is way over the top, Wyse said. Theres far too much teaching of things like what is a fronted adverbial? He is also critical of the emphasis on synthetic phonics a method of teaching reading where words are broken up into smallest units of sound which the previous government credited for helping to raise reading standards among Englands children. Fewer tests for primary schoolchildren The general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, Paul Whiteman, said: Unnecessary statutory tests like the multiplication tables check, phonics screening check and key stage 2 grammar, punctuation and spelling test should be scrapped to reduce the burden on schools and the harmful impact of such tests on children and staff. A broader curriculum The government has already said it wants a curriculum that gives space to arts and music as well as vocational and technical subjects. Experts say reducing the testing burden would help make space for such changes. Fewer tests at primary level would mean more space for art and PE. At secondary level, the over-focus on academic subjects to the exclusion of much else is putting off a lot of young people, said Julie McCulloch, the director of policy at the Association of School and College Leaders. The curriculum is so packed that teachers are barely able get through the required content, she said. Less content in GCSEs and fewer exams Something has to give. We dont think that means reducing the number of subjects, said McCulloch. Its more about reducing the content within each subject, which in turn could lead to fewer exams. We think theres absolutely a place for exams, she said, but there might be a place for more modular assessment to take the pressure off final exams. Pupils sit an average of 30 hours of GCSE exams in their last summer at secondary school. Do we need three full weeks of assessment? asked John Jerrim, a professor of education and social statistics at UCLs education institute. I would like to see GCSEs remain dont throw the baby out with the bath water but cut the assessment time down to a week. It would leave more time for learning and reduce the pressure on young people. Expanding opportunities for working-class children Lee Elliott Major, a professor of social mobility at Exeter University, is concerned the current curriculum is dominated by knowledge produced by people from middle-class backgrounds. We must do much more to recognise and celebrate the countless examples of working-class achievements in society, he said. Learners from all backgrounds deserve to feel connected and represented in the curriculum. If the curriculum fails to resonate, they will soon become alienated. Decolonise the curriculum Subjects such as English and history are the most obvious targets, but campaigners argue there needs to be change in other subjects too. Lavinya Stennett of the Black Curriculum said: The curriculum review needs to challenge the notion that Black history is within history alone. This is a cross-curricula exercise that includes examples of pre-colonial ideas and events that shaped Britain, African migration, the economic contribution and resistance movements from the former colonies, and later migration patterns. Sex education The chief executive of the Sex Education Forum, Lucy Emmerson, said the government should scrap the latest draft guidance on relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) produced by the Conservatives, which put age limits on what can be taught and banned teaching about the concept of gender identity. Young people have repeatedly called for inclusive, up-to-date RSE lessons that start early in their school lives and extend beyond year 11, she said. We call on ministers to utilise this review for a reset on RSE, discarding the draft RSHE guidance, making evidence-based updates, and addressing the training and support needs with schools. Other possible areas of interest There are those who think the governments review could be expanded to consider selective school admissions and the future of Englands 163 grammar schools. Jerrim said the review presented Labour with an opportunity to be brave and bold. My guess is theyre going to actually be pretty radical with something like this because its one of Labours opportunities to make a big difference without spending any money or not that much money, compared with a lot of other things, he said. So it wouldnt actually surprise me if they do say schools can no longer use test scores or academic criteria in their admissions throughout the country. And they can take pretty decent cover from a fair amount of academic evidence base around that. A giant anti-Israel banner hung up on a building facade at Palestine Square in Tehran - Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu via Getty Images The Middle East is teetering on the edge of a full-blown war as Israel awaits Irans already pledged retaliation for the killing of a Hamas leader on its soil. Tensions have soared in the region following the back-to-back assassinations of Ismail Haniyeh, the political head of the Palestinian terror group, and a Hezbollah military chief killed in an Israeli air strike in Beirut last week. Israel has not claimed or denied responsibility for the death of Haniyeh, but Iran has said it has the legal right to punish Israel. Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, told his G7 counterparts on Monday that Irans response would be imminent after the US raced to dispatch both diplomatic and military support to help defend its ally, while Royal Navy ships and helicopters moved to the eastern Mediterranean. A nearly empty departure hall on Sunday at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv - UPI/Alamy Major military action from Lebanons Hezbollah movement and the Islamic Republics other regional allies, the so-called Axis of Resistance, is widely expected. Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, repeated his warning to Iran and its proxies on Monday, saying Israel was determined to stand against them on every front and in every arena near and far. Whoever seeks to harm us will pay a very heavy price. But the fears of escalation come after a decades-long shadow war between the regional arch foes of Israel and Iran that broke into the open during the events that followed Oct 7. Here are key events of the last 10 months: Oct 7 2023 Hamas gunmen storm into southern Israel from Gaza and rampage through communities, killing 1,200 people and dragging some 250 hostages back into the Strip. Iran voices its support for its Palestinian proxy. Oct 8 2023 Israel declares war against Iran-backed Hamas and begins retaliatory strikes on the densely-populated territory along with a total siege of the coastal enclave. Irans ally in Lebanon, Hezbollah, begins cross-border shelling attacks against northern Israel that continue throughout the war, drawing Israeli counter-strikes and displacing nearly 200,000 civilians on both sides. Oct 13 2023 Israel tells the one million residents of Gaza City to move south. Over the course of the next weeks Israel will evacuate most of northern Gaza, beginning a process that will uproot nearly the entire population of Gaza. Oct 19 2023 A US navy warship intercepts missiles and drones launched from Yemen over the Red Sea in the direction of Israel. It marks the beginning of sporadic long-range attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Israel and against commercial shipping in the Red Sea shipping in solidarity with Hamas Oct 27 2023 Israel launches its ground offensive in Gaza which will leave 39,600 Palestinians dead and displace over two million, according to local authorities, as the war drags on for 10 months. Nov 3 2023 Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, makes his first highly-anticipated speech since Oct 7. He threatened to open a new front in the conflict if Israel did not stop its war in Gaza. Jan 11 2024 US and British warplanes, ships and submarines launch dozens of airstrikes across Yemen in retaliation against Houthi forces for their attacks on Red Sea shipping. The Houthis vow to continue their attacks. April 1 2024 Irans embassy compound in Damascus is hit by a suspected Israeli air strike that kills several officers of Irans Revolutionary Guards, including a top general. It marks an unprecedented escalation by Israel against Iran and sparks furious promises of revenge from the Islamic Republic. April 13 2024 Tehran responds by firing 300 missiles and drones at Israel in Irans first direct attack on its greatest enemy. Most are intercepted with the help of the US, UK and other allies and no one is killed. April 19 2024 Several drones and missiles target a military base in the central Iranian city of Isfahan in what is widely presumed to be a retaliation, albeit limited, by Israel. Iran reports no casualties. July 19 2024 The Houthi rebels claim a deadly drone attack on Tel Aviv and vow to carry out more, leading Israel to strike the Houthi-held port city of Hodeidah a day later, the first attack on Yemens soil since Oct 7. July 27 2024 A Hezbollah rocket strike on the town of Majdal Shams in Israeli-occupied Golan Heights kills at least 12 children and teenagers. Hezbollah issue a rare denial of any responsibility for the attack. July 30 2024 An Israeli strike on Beirut kills a top Hezbollah military commander, Fuad Shukr, who Israel claims was behind the Golan Heights attack. Israel later calls it a clear message to those who harm us. July 31 2024 Hours after the Beirut strike, Ismail Haniyeh, the political head of Hamas, is killed in a suspected bomb explosion inside his Tehran guesthouse. Iran and Hezbollah accuse Israel, but Israel neither confirms nor denies its involvement. Aug 1 2024 Tehran stages a mass funeral for Haniyeh as huge crowds weep and Supreme Leader Khamenei prays over his coffin as Iranian officials ramp up their threats towards Israel. The same day, Israel confirms it killed Mohammed Deif, the head of Hamass military wing, whom it calls Osama Bin Laden of Gaza, in an air strike in July. Aug 4 2024 Mr Netanyahu says Israel is already in a multifront war as it braces for a retaliatory attack from Iran and its proxies. The US, UK and other allies move military assets to the Middle East, and countries call their citizens home from Lebanon and Iran Keir Starmer delivers a speech during a press conference in 10 Downing Street following riots - Henry Nicholls/via REUTERS Sir Keir Starmer has rejected demands to recall Parliament to debate far-Right rioting across the UK. The Prime Ministers official spokesman said the Governments focus was on tackling the rioting and co-ordinating with the police. Nigel Farage has called on Sir Keir to recall Parliament, accusing him of a faltering approach to the rioting. The Reform UK leader said the return of MPs to the Commons would provide the opportunity for a more honest debate about mass immigration and its impact on communities. In a sixth day of violence on Sunday following the killings in Southport last Monday, hotels in other towns used to house asylum seekers were targeted and far-Right rioters clashed with Muslim protesters. A mob in Middlesbrough shouted smash the P---s while targeting migrants homes, while social media footage appeared to show groups of Asian men attacking white men. Lord Cameron recalled Parliament during the 2011 summer riots that followed the death of Mark Duggan in Tottenham, six days after unrest started. Parliament is on its summer recess, and is not due to return until early September. It means that there are no Commons debates or ability for MPs to publicly question ministers face-to-face on their response. The Prime Ministers official spokesman said recalling Parliament was not discussed at the Cobra meeting on Monday, adding The Governments focus is on responding to the incidents of the last few days. In a statement on X, Mr Farage said he had been totally appalled by the levels of violence seen in the past week. The levels of intimidation and threat to life have no place in a functioning democracy, he wrote. That so many police officers have been injured trying to keep the peace is shocking, and we should not discount the use of the Army if the situation were to deteriorate further. In the short term we will quell the riots, but deeper long-term problems remain. Ever since the soft policing of the Black Lives Matter protests, the impression of two-tier policing has become widespread. The Prime Ministers faltering attempts to address the current crisis have only added to that sense of injustice. Thousands of people gathered in London and across the country in June 2020 to demonstrate against the brutal killing of George Floyd by police in the US. The gatherings came despite police and ministers urging protesters to stay away because of fears over the spreading of Covid. Dozens of arrests were made across weeks of protests, while one chief constable blamed Black Lives Matter and climate demonstrations for a rise in assaults on police officers. Mr Farage, whose Reform UK party has advocated a one in, one out immigration policy, added: The majority of our population can see the fracturing of our communities as a result of mass, uncontrolled immigration, whether legal or illegal. Yet to attempt to debate this in the public arena leads to immediate howls of condemnation. A population explosion without integration was always going to end badly. I have said this for many years. We must have a more honest debate about these vital issues and give people the confidence that there are political solutions that are relevant to them. A recall of Parliament would be an appropriate start to this. The calls from Mr Farage to recall Parliament followed those by Dame Priti Patel, a former home secretary who is running to replace Rishi Sunak as the Conservative leader. What we are seeing across the country right now is just extraordinary criminality, Dame Priti told Times Radio. At the end of the day, crime and criminality is the responsibility of those who are perpetrating this and we now need to, in my view, as politicians, get some kind of grip of this, which is why I am calling for the recall of Parliament right now so that we can actually discuss these issues in a similar way. Back in 2011 those discussions took place, and actually we put our arm around the communities that were affected at the time. Far-Right riots took hold after the suspect accused of stabbing three young girls was falsely identified online as an asylum seeker who arrived in the UK by boat last year. Last week, the 17-year-old charged with the murders at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class was named as Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, who was born to Rwandan parents in Cardiff. Mr Farages intervention came as he was criticised by James Cleverly, the shadow home secretary, for sharing a social media post by Zia Yusuf, the Reform chairman. Mr Yusuf had written: Nobody has done more to sow division among the British people than race-obsessed Labour. Asked about the remarks, Mr Cleverly told Sky News: Ive been critical of the Labour Party and some of the positions theyre taking. I dont think its appropriate or healthy especially at times like this to add to toxicity and friction. I want this Government to succeed in calming this situation, in ending the violence. That is my priority. There will be a time when we need to have a calmer, broader assessment of what has happened, including the role of disinformation, including the role of agent provocateurs within the far-Right stirring people up and encouraging this kind of violence. But language like that I dont think is useful. What we need to do right now is make sure this violence stops. Mr Farage separately came under fire last week after claiming in a social media video that important questions about the Southport attack remained unanswered. He speculated whether the truth is being withheld about the killing of three girls aged six, seven and nine, following social media rumours. The funeral ceremony for Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Tensions have been ratcheted up since his death. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images Good morning. Joe Biden will meet with his national security team on Monday, the White House has said, as the US sends more fighter jets and warships to the Middle East amid growing fears of a retaliatory attack by Iran on Israel. Tensions have been ratcheted up after the assassination last week of Hamass political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran a day after an Israeli strike in Beirut killed a senior Hezbollah commander, Fuad Shukr. Hamas and Hezbollah are backed by Iran, which has sworn revenge. Amid fears that Israels war in Gaza could escalate into a wider conflict, the president would also speak to Jordans King Abdullah II, the White House said. 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 Houses deputy national security adviser, told CBS Newss Face the Nation. He added that the US and Israel were readying themselves for every possibility. What has Iran said? Iranian state TV reported that the countrys president described the assassination of Haniyeh as a major mistake by the Zionist regime [Israel] that will not go unanswered. Kentuckys governor clears schedule for Harris VP announcement, stoking speculation Speculation is mounting over who Kamala Harris will choose as her running mate, with rumors swirling after Andy Beshear, the governor of Kentucky, canceled an appearance in his state without explanation. But Beshear is not alone: Pennsylvanias governor, Josh Shapiro, who is also considered a likely candidate, also called off a fundraising trip this weekend amid reports that Harris was interviewing a number of figures for a spot on her ticket. Both candidates have their strengths: while Shapiro, who Democrats hope would clinch the crucial swing state of Pennsylvania, is broadly seen as the frontrunner, Beshears supporters view him as the best option for winning over independent voters. According to a recent Morning Consult survey, Beshear has the best approval rating of any Democratic governor in the country. But when will we know? Harriss announcement is expected by Tuesday at the latest, when she will appear at a rally in Pennsylvania with her pick. Nancy Pelosi reveals struggle with guilt after husbands attack The former US House speaker Nancy Pelosi has shared that she has been dealing with guilt after a man nearly killed her husband with a hammer in a home invasion attack that had been meant for her. Pelosi was in Washington DC when David DePape broke into her home and attacked her husband in the run-up to the 2022 midterm elections. He was looking for me. Imagine the guilt of all of that, the California Democratic congresswoman said in an interview aired on CBS News Sunday Morning. Its just a horrible thing. I was the target. What else did the interview cover? Pelosi also said she was not a leader of any pressure campaign for Biden to resign. In other news The UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, will lead an emergency government meeting on Monday after far-right riots escalated on Sunday, with violent disorder that included a mob trying to set fire to a hotel housing asylum seekers. The Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro has vowed to pulverize challenges to his rule amid deepening condemnation of the crackdown that followed last weeks disputed election. The independent presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr has said that, a decade ago, he staged a scene to make it look like a bicyclist had run over a bear cub in New Yorks Central Park, after finding the dead animal in the Hudson Valley. Stat of the day: Japans benchmark stock index tanks by steepest margin in nearly four decades Japans benchmark stock index plummeted by 12% on Monday: the biggest single-day tumble since the Black Monday crash of 1987. The FTSE 100 also sank, as global markets reacted to weak US jobs figures that have triggered fears of a recession. Dont miss this: inside the crumbling Honduran zoo built with drug money Nestled in a remote region of Honduras, the Joya Grande zoo was once a trophy for the Cachiros cartel as well as a money-laundering scheme. But since the cartels downfall began, with properties including the zoo seized by the state, experts have endeavored to improve conditions for the animals that live in squalid conditions: a challenging task when funds are in short supply. Climate check: EPA deals major blow to multibillion-dollar gas drilling plan off Western Australia Western Australias Environment Protection Authority has deemed a multibillion-dollar gas drilling development in the ocean off the state as unacceptable due to its impact on marine life. The EPA told Woodside Energy in February that its preliminary view for drilling in Browse Australias largest untapped conventional gas field was that the proposal was unacceptable, a freedom of information request by WAToday has shown. Last Thing: should you ever tell someone you dreamed about them? Do you have the urge to call someone up and tell them you dreamed of them, sparing no insignificant, surreal detail even if it is someone you havent spoken to in more than a decade? It can be fun, silly and risky but one thing is for sure: the dream has got everything to do with you and little to do with them. Sign up First Thing is delivered to thousands of inboxes every weekday. If youre not already signed up, subscribe now. Get in touch If you have any questions or comments about any of our newsletters please email newsletters@theguardian.com Police and crowds clash outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham on Sunday - Danny Lawson/PA Foreign state actors are amplifying online disinformation that has led to the riots across Britain, Downing Street has said. Russian-linked online sites and far-Right activists are among those accused of fuelling protests on social media as Sir Keir Starmer warned that anyone whipping up violence online will face the full force of the law. The National Crime Agency (NCA) is investigating whether bots linked to hostile states are responsible for promoting misinformation, the Prime Ministers official spokesman has said. The riots started after the murder of three young girls at a Taylor Swift dance class in Southport last Monday. Channel3Now, which purports to be a legitimate American news outlet but acts as an aggregator for fake news, wrongly named the attacker as Ali Al-Shakati, claiming he was a Muslim man who had recently arrived in the country. The claim was then promoted by thousands of Russia-linked accounts before being repeated by Russian state media. Asked whether foreign states were behind the spread of disinformation online, Sir Keirs official spokesman said that clearly, we have seen bot activity online, much of which may well be amplified with the involvement of state actors amplifying some of the disinformation and misinformation that weve seen. He refused to single out a particular state responsible but said that disinformation can be linked to state-backed activity and said that the NCA and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology were looking at it. The claim that a Muslim man was behind the attack was also picked up by far-Right figures such as Tommy Robinson, founder of the anti-immigrant English Defence League, and the influencer Andrew Tate. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has been stoking anger from his sunbed in Cyprus after leaving the UK last week following his arrest under terrorism laws and posted on X more than 100 times as riots spread on Sunday. Commenting on the attacks on the Holiday Inn Express in Tamworth, he claimed that it was insane to set a hotel on fire while people were inside but went on to allege that it was the home of a Mohammed who had raped a woman. Police were forced to put out statements over the weekend correcting false claims that had been amplified by Robinson, including that two protesters in Stoke had been stabbed by Muslims and that an alleged Muslim stabbed at least three women in Stirling in Scotland. Sir Keir, who used to run the Crown Prosecution Service as director of public prosecutions, warned on Monday that anyone agitating online will face the full force of the law. The law applies online, so if youre inciting violence, it doesnt matter whether its online or offline, he said. It is an offence to incite violence or stir up hatred on the grounds of race or religion in England and Wales. Mark Jones, partner at law firm Payne Hicks Beach, said individuals do not need to be present when the crime itself is carried out, yet can be as guilty as the person who commits the crime itself. Robinsons right-hand man Danny Tommo and Laurence Fox, the Reclaim party leader, have also been accused of spreading inflammatory messages on X, formerly Twitter, and YouTube. Tommo, who Robinson described as his brother as the pair shared a stage at a protest in Trafalgar Square last month, has also taken to X to say that we cannot stand by and watch our beautiful children being slaughtered. Hours after the Southport stabbings Tommo, whose real name is Daniel Thomas, posted a film to YouTube telling his 68,400 subscribers that they had to mobilise, adding: Get ready! We are making plans. Meanwhile, Mr Fox said in the wake of the Southport attack that we need to permanently remove Islam from Great Britain. Both Mr Fox and Robinson have been critical of the official reaction to the protests, saying Sir Keir has declared war on the protesters. After the Prime Minister described rioters as far-Right thugs, Mr Fox called him a traitor. For decades British girls have been raped by immigrant barbarians and hes finally come out. On their side. Fine. Then its war, he wrote on social media. Inflammatory messages have also been spread by Matthew Hankinson, who was previously jailed for being a member of neo-Nazi terror group National Action and said that there was a strong moral argument for killing police officers, and members of white supremacist group Patriotic Alternative. Footage from the protests across the country have shown some of those involved sporting Nazi tattoos or performing Nazi salutes. According to anti-racism group Hope Not Hate, there is no single organiser of the protests and most are being planned organically, often by local people, who are plugged into decentralised far-Right networks online. Peter Kyle, the Technology Secretary, said the Government was working with social media giants to ensure they were not promoting inflammatory content. In a statement on X, Mr Kyle said: The internet cannot be a haven for those looking to sow division in our communities. Responsibility for harmful social media content principally rests with the individuals and groups who create it. But it is undeniable that social media has provided a platform for this hate. We have been clear with these companies they also have a responsibility not to peddle the harm of those who seek to damage and divide our society, and we are working closely with them to ensure they meet that responsibility. People in Bordesley Green stood guard around shops and the Village Islamic Centre - Stop Press Media/Aalamy Live News Hundreds of Muslim men gathered on the streets of Birmingham amid a seventh day of disorder on Britains streets in the wake of a knife attack which left three girls dead in Southport. Men wearing masks and balaclavas, with some carrying Palestinian flags, gathered outside a mosque near a McDonalds in the city amid speculation that there would be a far-Right demonstration. People were also seen standing guard around the Village Islamic Centre, with local shops shut and a hospital sending staff home in anticipation of violence. It came as far-Right and anti-racism protesters faced off in Plymouth, where three police officers were left injured during the clashes. Police largely held the two groups apart but the Devon and Cornwall force said officers were met with sustained violence. The force has deployed 150 officers in the city centre where two protest groups have formed and said on Monday night that arrests were ongoing. Six people have been arrested so far. Police officers detain some far-Right protesters in Plymouth - Anadolu In Birmingham, a crowd of men, some wearing masks and hoods, could be heard chanting Allahu Akbar as they vowed to protect themselves in a video posted on X, formerly Twitter. One man was seen to be wielding what appeared to be a large bat. During a Sky News live broadcast, presenter Becky Johnson was interrupted by a masked protester at the same site who sped up behind her on a motorbike. He shouted yo, free Palestine, f*** the EDL in a clip shared online. The broadcast was quickly ended and security sent to the reporter, according to Sky News. The broadcaster said a man in a balaclava stabbed the tyre of one of its broadcast vans but did not damage it and it escaped without suffering any damage. A former independent MP candidate urged his fellow Muslims not to go out and confront Right-wing extremists, , arguing that this was what the protesters wanted. Shakeel Afsar, who unsuccessfully stood for the Birmingham Hall Green and Mosley seat, told followers in a video on X: We must not give the Right-wing extremists what they want. When theyre turning up to city centres there is no need for us to go there and try to confront them. Yes, if they announce that they are doing a protest outside a Masjid [mosque], you have the right to go inside, pray and defend the Masjid. But if theyre coming into city centres, my dear brothers, do not go there. Mr Afsar previously led a religious protest over LGBT lessons outside a primary school in Birmingham, despite having no children at the school himself. The demonstration was later banned by a judge. Some men carried Palestinian flags as people gathered in Bordesley Green amid rumours of an EDL march in the area - Stop Press Media/Alamy It came as British Muslims warned others to pray before leaving the house and to not walk the streets alone amid fears they would be targeted by far-riot rioters. On TikTok, a Muslim woman warned more than 11,000 followers to take precautions when leaving the house. Others took to social media to claim they were frightened to take their children out, while other women claimed they had chosen to temporarily not wear their hijabs, for fear the head scarf would draw unwanted attention. In a clip shared on social media, a video appeared to show vandalised Muslim graves in a Lancashire cemetery. Footage showed white paint splashed over the gravestones. This is appalling and another new low, the poster wrote on X. Muslim gravestones within a cemetery in Burnley have been vandalised with white paint and desecrated. Police said they were treating the incident as a hate crime. Meanwhile, residents outside the Waterloo Road mosque in Middlesbrough, told journalists: Were going to be paying for this, and for what? This has got nothing to do with three little girls that have lost their lives. Theyve used it to cause utter mayhem on our streets. Israeli troops operate on the ground in the Gaza Strip - AFP Israel sent troops to bolster its borders with the West Bank to prepare for a possible ground assault orchestrated by Hamas and Iran. Additional forces were deployed to cities to foil any infiltration attempt, following a deadly knife attack on Sunday that left two people killed in the city of Holon in central Israel, Israels Army Radio, run by the armed forces, reported. It came as Israel was braced for a major attack likely by air from Iran following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas leader, in Tehran on Wednesday. Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, told G7 allies that an attack, likely with missiles and drones, could begin as early as Monday, sources told US media. The G7 countries issued a joint statement, urging all involved parties once again to refrain from perpetuating the current destructive cycle of retaliatory violence, to lower tensions and engage constructively toward de-escalation. Iran dismisses attempts to de-escalate Iran on Monday issued public flight operations notices advising aircrafts to change their routes in a sign that missile and drone launches were imminent. Lufthansa, the German airline giant, said that its flights would avoid Iraqi and Iranian airspace until at least Aug 7. Tehran has dismissed attempts by Arab nations and the US to de-escalate the situation, saying it will attack Israel even if it means sparking a war, the Wall Street Journal reported. Nasser Kanaani, the Iranian foreign ministrys spokesman, reiterated on Monday that an attack was being prepared, saying we believe Iran is entitled to punish the aggressor within the framework of international law. Iran will definitely and decisively take serious and deterrent measures, he added. Nasser Kanaani confimed Iran is preparing to launch an attack on Israel - Anadolu Yoav Gallant, Israels defence minister, was on Monday coordinating Israels response with his Italian and American counterparts, discussing a series of scenarios and corresponding defensive and offensive capabilities. Israels Kan Public Broadcaster reported that intensive work was being done to make sure a coalition of Arab and Western nations will help defend Israel against an Iranian attack. Everyone has an interest in the incident not evolving into a regional war, Kan reported, citing anonymous Western diplomats. When Iran, Hezbollah and the Houthi rebels in Yemen attacked Israel in April with 360 drones and missiles, the UK, US, France, Qatar, Egypt, UAE, Bahrain, Jordan and Saudi Arabia all helped foil the attack On Monday Israel continued attacking both Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The IDF said its airstrikes killed Abed Al-Zeriei, Hamass minister of economy in Gaza, saying he played a significant role in directing Hamass efforts to seize control of humanitarian aid entering Gaza. Israeli airstrikes also killed two Hezbollah members in southern Lebanon, following a drone attack in northern Israel that left an Israeli soldier and officer wounded. Turkey and Japan meanwhile called on its citizens to leave Lebanon in light of the situation. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, repeated his warning to Iran and its proxies on Monday, saying Israel is determined to stand against them on every front and in every arena near and far. Whoever seeks to harm us will pay a very heavy price. A Valiasr Square billboard put up in Tehran this week depicts the president, Masoud Pezeshkian (right), and the late Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh. Photograph: Abedin Taherkenareh/EPA Iran has called in foreign ambassadors based in Tehran to warn of the countrys moral duty to punish Israel for what it sees as its adventurism and law-breaking in assassinating Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas leader, a week ago in the Iranian capital. Iran has also secured an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Wednesday where it will try to press Arab states to back its right to take reprisal actions against Israel. Many leaders in the Gulf are willing to condemn Israels actions but have also been calling for Iran to show restraint. The meeting will be held at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Israeli leaders have said they are prepared for an Iranian-led attack. The defence minister, Yoav Gallant, said in response to mounting Iranian threats on Monday that the Israeli military was ready for a swift transition to offence, echoing comments by the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who said on Sunday the country was already engaged in a multi-front war with Iran and its allies. Related: Hamass leader is dead, Iran vows revenge: can anything stop all-out war in the Middle East? Previous efforts by the deceased Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi to win the support of Gulf states for military action or direct economic sanction failed. Raisi died in a helicopter crash in May. President Joe Biden met his national security team in Washington, after which the US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, repeated calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and urged all parties to refrain from escalating. Blinken, who also spoke with Qatari prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Egyptian foreign minister Badr Abdelatty on Monday, was earlier reported to have indicated he was expecting Iran to launch a series of coordinated strikes as soon as Monday. At a signing ceremony with his Australian counterpart in Washington he said the US was engaged in intense diplomacy, pretty much around the clock and called for parties to break this cycle of violence and agree a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict. State department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Washington had been urging countries to pass messages to Iran that it is very much not in their interest to launch another attack on Israel. Tehran airport cancelled a number of incoming and outgoing flights on Sunday evening, suggesting it was fearful that civil aircraft may be caught up in military activity. In a previous military exchange in January 2020 between the US and Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian civil flight from Tehran to Kyiv, killing all 176 occupants on board. Russias security council secretary, Sergei Shoigu, held talks with the Iranian leadership, including the president, Masoud Pezeshkian and Rear Adm Ali Akbar Ahmadian, a senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander who serves as secretary of the Supreme national security council in Tehran on Monday. Shoigu, previously Russias defence minister, was removed from that post by Vladimir Putin but remains central to Russias defence cooperation with Iran. There is no sign that Russia is urging restraint. Iranian state media reported that Pezeshkian called for expanded relations with its strategic partner Russia during his meeting with Shoigu and said that Israels criminal actions in Gaza and the assassination of Haniyeh were clear examples of the violation of all international laws and regulations. Iran is trying to portray its planned missile strikes as necessary to try to re-establish regional deterrence after the USs failure to control its ally Israel. In a meeting with foreign diplomats, the acting foreign minister, Ali Bagheri, said: We all have a moral duty and responsibility not to remain silent in the face of the occupation, displacement and genocide of the Palestinian nation. He added: Indifference and appeasement in the face of evil and injustice is a kind of moral negligence and causes the spread of evil. Speaking at his weekly briefing, the Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson, Nasser Kanaani, said action from Tehran was inevitable. Iran seeks to establish stability in the region, but this will only come with punishing the aggressor and creating deterrence against the adventurism of the Zionist regime [Israel], said Kanaani, as he called on the US to stop supporting Israel and added that the international community had failed in its duty to safeguard stability in the region and should support the punishment of the aggressor. He added: Terror is in the essence of the Zionist regime, and its survival depends on the continuation of the approach of state terrorism. The world should strongly condemn this crime, secondly, it should support the punishment of the aggressor and avoid any approach that means supporting the aggressor. His remarks were directed at Arab states, including Jordan, that cooperated with western powers on 13 April of this year to reduce the impact of the Iranian attack on Israel in April after the assassination of IRGC commanders in an Iranian consulate in Damascus on 1 April. Jordans King Abdullah II spoke by phone to Biden, while the countrys foreign minister Ayman al Safadi called his British counterpart, David Lammy, as part of the flurry of diplomacy. Safadi warned that the crisis would not end until Israel is persuaded to cease its military operations in Gaza, and British officials came away with the impression that it is almost inconceivable that Jordan will succumb to US pressure and agree to help shoot down any Iranian missiles flying over Jordanian soil towards Israel. Inside Iran, those who have counselled caution, or even suggested that the country could diplomatically exploit Israels overreach, seem to have lost out to those who have argued that there should be a coordinated attack on Israel mounted by Hezbollah, Hamas, Iraqi militant groups, the Houthis in Yemen and Iran itself. Related: US and UK expected to be drawn in as Iran prepares retaliation against Israel In the April episode, it took Iran 12 days to decide and launch its response. It used that time not only to calibrate its response, but also to send out messages that it was not seeking a regional war, messages that in turn led the US to restrain Israel in its own response. Some of this messaging about the scale of both sides reaction is absent, but the longer the pause between the assassination of Haniyeh and Irans response, the more time exists for diplomacy to reduce the scope for misunderstandings. On Monday, the top IRGC commander, Hossein Salami, repeated the groups threat that Israel will receive punishment in due time, adding that Israel was digging its own grave. A base hosting US troops in Iraq came under rocket fire on Monday, after an American strike on 30 July killed four pro-Iran Iraqi fighters. Several US personnel were injured in the attack, three US officials told Reuters. Meanwhile, fighting continued to rage on Monday in the Gaza Strip and on the blue line separating Israel and Lebanon. The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said it launched an early morning drone attack on northern Israel which the Israeli military said wounded two of its troops, while Lebanons state-run National News Agency said an Israeli drone strike near a cemetery in a southern village killed two people, including a paramedic. In Gaza, Palestinian officials said an Israeli airstrike killed five members of Gazas Hamas-run police force, who were securing an aid convoy. The strike on a civilian target took place after Israeli attacks hit two schools and a hospital complex in Gaza on Sunday, killing at least 30 people. Israels military said it had struck Hamas command centres at the schools, and that the hospital strike targeted a militant, without providing further details or evidence. The ability of Hamas to launch rocket and mortar attacks at Israeli territory has dwindled over the last 10 months of fighting, but at least 15 projectiles were fired from Gaza on Monday, wounding one person, the Israeli military said. Haniyehs assassination and its aftermath is widely expected to negatively impact internationally mediated talks aimed at brokering a ceasefire and hostage and prisoner release deal in the Gaza war. There is mounting concern in Israels defence establishment that Netanyahu is avoiding taking decisions on the negotiations for political reasons, according to angry exchanges leaked over the weekend to the Israeli press. Reuters contributed to this report Donald Trump has now turned a new leaf on electric cars as the former president declared support for the industry's growth just shortly after Tesla CEO Elon Musk endorsed him for the presidency. At a campaign rally on Sunday, Trump said he has "no choice" but to back the EV industry after Musk's support. The impeached leader later clarified that he only supports a "small size" of the industry, particularly the removal of the mandate to transition US cars to zero carbon-emission vehicles by 2030. Trump previously used criticisms of the EV industry to attack his biggest rival, President Joe Biden, claiming that the current administration's efforts to curb fossil fuel consumption will lead to a "bloodbath for the country." Musk, who had been cozying up with Trump months before, declared open support for Trump right after the failed assassination attempt on him. Donald Trump Woos Silicon Valley in Presidential Bid This was not the first time Trump backed on his words in an attempt to sway Silicon Valley leaders as the 2024 US Election nears. Trump famously changed his opinions on cryptocurrency as the ex-president opened Bitcoin donations to fund his campaign operations. Trump, during his presidency, called out Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as "highly volatile and based on thin air," claiming that "we have only one real currency in the USA." I am not a fan of Bitcoin and other Cryptocurrencies, which are not money, and whose value is highly volatile and based on thin air. Unregulated Crypto Assets can facilitate unlawful behavior, including drug trade and other illegal activity.... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 12, 2019 Five years later, Trump is now endorsing of making the US the "bitcoin capital of the world" by essentially keeping all cryptocurrencies circulating mainly inside the country. Trump even named tech investor and Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate to lean more toward securing the industry's backing. Tech Leaders Turn to Trump for De-Regularization Dream Spurned by the current administration's regulation increase and crackdowns on the tech industry, many influential figures like Musk have started flocking around Trump and his promises. Other than Musk, tech moguls David Sacks, Doug Leon of Sequoia Capital, and Palantir founder Joe Lonsdale have made major donations to the super PAC backing Trump's campaign. Josh Shapiro holding a sign with the acronym of his results-focused motto When Josh Shapiro beat a Trump loyalist and 2020 election denier to become governor of Pennsylvania, he vowed to work for all people in his state. Tonight, voters from Gen Z to our seniors, voters from all walks of life, have given me the honour of a lifetime, given me the chance to serve you as Pennsylvanias next governor, he said. Pretty soon after taking office in January last year, he had narrowed his governing philosophy to a slogan perhaps not suitable for young children: Get S--- Done. Weve got a GSD attitude in the Shapiro administration that means we focus on getting, you know, stuff done, he told reporters a year later. The 51-year-old moderate is now among a handful of Democrats being considered as a potential running mate for Kamala Harris. After Joe Biden announced he was stepping down from the presidential race, Mr Shapiro said: 'I will do everything I can to help elect Kamala Harris as the 47th president of the United States' - SARAH YENESEL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock An observant conservative Jew with four children, Mr Shapiros supporters say he has an ability to work with politicians across the aisle to achieve those results. Very importantly, he has positioned himself as a moderate on energy issues in a state that is Americas second largest producer of natural gas. A fuss-free executive and family man, he often stresses the need for bipartisanship in the politically divided state government. The first run out for the GSD slogan was last year when officials were able to reopen a section of highway in Philadelphia that had collapsed just 12 days earlier after an accident. Many observers believe Ms Harris, who is seeking to become Americas first female president, as well as the first Indian-American commander-in-chief, will feel compelled to balance the ticket with a white male. In addition to ticking that box, Mr Shapiro is the governor of one of the most important battleground states. Democrats see their path to victory through the upper mid midwest region states of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. All were states won by Donald Trump in 2016, but then regained by Joe Biden in 2020. There is talk Ms Harris might be able to expand the map to secure the 270 electoral college votes required by winning in Georgia and North Carolina. But places such as Pennsylvania will be a crucial part of the Democrats Blue Wall and Mr Shapiros 56-42 win over Republican Doug Mastriano pointed to his considerable support. (Many voters were also turned off by Mr Mastrianos false claims of election rigging.) Pennsylvania governor has stated: 'The best path forward for the Democratic Party is to quickly unite behind vice-president Harris and refocus on winning the presidency' - Kevin Mohatt/Reuters Mr Shapiro, who previously served as Pennsylvania attorney general from 2017 to 2023, has been a frequent surrogate for Mr Biden, defending his record and appearing on cable news shows. Pointedly, he was not among those coming out publicly to call for the president to stand down. Rather, after Mr Bidens disastrous debate with Trump last month, he said Democrats should stop worrying and start working. Raised in Montgomery County, Mr Shapiro studied political science at the University of Rochester and then secured a law degree from Georgetown University. A defender of abortion rights who has often attacked Trump as the presidential campaign has gathered pace, earlier this month he had to make a painful call to the family of Corey Comperatore, the 50-year-old firefighter who was killed by shots fired by the man who tried to assassinate the former president at a rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania. Comperatores family would not speak to Mr Biden but allowed Mr Shapiro to reveal how the firefighter had died after using his body to protect his family from the shots. Corey died a hero, said Mr Shapiro. Most especially, Corey loved his family. Described as a fuss-free executive and family man, Mr Shapiro often stresses the need for bipartisanship in the politically divided state government - Hannah Beier/Bloomberg Mr Shapiro has been criticised by some progressives for what they deemed his too strident support for Israel in the aftermath of the Oct 7 attacks, when the military operation against Hamas killed as many as 40,000 civilians. As part of an anti-Shapiro effort that some had called No Genocide Josh, a cutting from a student newspaper written more than 30 years ago by Shapiro was circulated. In it the now governor had said peace will never come to the Middle East and that Palestinians were too battle-minded to coexist with Israel. In a statement, Mr Shapiro said his views had evolved since his days as a 20-year-old college student. I have said for years, years before October 7, that I favour a two-state solution Israelis and Palestinians living peacefully side-by-side, being able to determine their own futures and their own destiny, he said Last month after Mr Biden announced he was stepping aside, Mr Shapiro released a statement praising the president. The next day he put out another endorsing Ms Harris. The best path forward for the Democratic Party is to quickly unite behind vice-president Harris and refocus on winning the presidency, Mr Shapiro said. The contrast in this race could not be clearer and the road to victory in November runs right through Pennsylvania - where this collective work began. I will do everything I can to help elect Kamala Harris as the 47th president of the United States. Ryan Sheers, 28, was bitten on the backside by a police dog during violence in Hartlepool A rioter who was bitten on the backside by a police dog cried in court as he admitted violent disorder. At another court, a burglar who raided a library in one of Britains most deprived neighbourhoods said: Nice one, lad as he was led down to the cells. A 14-year-old boy was watched by his father and uncle as he pleaded guilty to violent disorder after setting off fireworks at members of the public. The convictions came as the first wave of suspects arrested following mass riots across the country appeared in court for the first time. Violence has broken out in several towns and cities, and more than 420 people have been arrested, following a knife attack on children attending a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport, Merseyside, last Monday. Three girls died in the attack, and 17-year-old Axel Muganwa Rudakubana has been charged with three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder. On Monday, Sir Keir Starmer called for perpetrators to be named and shamed, as he announced a standing army of specialist police officers was being assembled to crack down on rioting. Footage from violence in Hartlepool on Wednesday night had shown a man trying to push through a police cordon, shouting and refusing to move away, before being bitten on the backside by a police dog. Ryan Sheers, 28, appeared at Teesside Magistrates Court and wept during the hearing as he admitted violent disorder. Sheers, formerly a McDonalds worker who has no previous convictions, was emotional as he thanked District Judge Helen Cousins after she granted him bail to appear before Teesside Crown Court for sentencing on Sep 2. Almost 150 miles away, another rioter, 28-year-old Adam Wharton, appeared at Liverpool Magistrates Court, wearing a grey tracksuit and with long curly hair, where he pleaded guilty to burglary. He was seen outside Spellow Lane Library Hub in Walton on Sunday, wearing a balaclava and sweating profusely. He acted as a lookout while another man raided the building, the court was told. The library had been burnt and looted the night before. Wharton, who was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing, said: Nice one, lad at the end of his hearing. At the same court, a 14-year-old boy pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Joshua Sanderson-Kirk, prosecuting, said the boy was seen by police officers among a group of eight to 12 other young people in Clayton Square, Liverpool, at about 10.30pm on Saturday setting fireworks off in the direction of members of the public and a police carrier. He told the court: They exploded underneath the police carrier. The court was told the boy, who cannot be named because of his age, said: Im sorry. I wasnt firing them at you, though, when he was arrested by police after they gave chase. He had five fireworks and a lighter in his possession. The teenager, whose father and uncle were in court, has no previous convictions, the court was told. Iqbal Singh Kang, mitigating, said the boy had been in the city centre to catch a bus home, and added: He did not head into the city centre with the intention of causing any kind of disturbance or adding to the disorder. Without thinking things through, he became involved in something much more serious. Its completely out of the blue. The boy was released on bail until Aug 27, when he will be sentenced. Six people also appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates Court on Monday and were remanded in custody until their next court appearances on Sep 2. Leanne Hodgson pleaded guilty to violent disorder after being seen on footage pushing a large bin towards a police line during unrest in Sunderland. The 43-year-old, from Sunderland, who has a long-running alcohol problem, denied being involved in the original march but said she had been out drinking and became involved in the disorder when the pub closed, the court was told. John Garside, prosecuting, said there was a large crowd cheering and joining in as Hodgson pushed the bin at officers. District Judge Zoe Passfield told her: This was large-scale mob violence, which resulted in fear to the public and damage to local businesses. There is absolutely no justification for it. Josh Kellett, 29, of Southcroft, in Washington, admitted violent disorder after unrest in Sunderland on Friday. The court was told he was seen on footage throwing a stone towards police officers while part of a large group. He was wearing a balaclava but was identified by his distinctive tattoos, it was said. Andrew Smith, 41, of High Street East, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to violent disorder following unrest in the city. In Manchester, three men appeared in court following violence in Bolton on Sunday when bricks and other missiles were launched at riot officers Daniel Robinson, 37, pleaded guilty to using threatening words or behaviour after telling police officers to f--- themselves. Hamza Mohammed, 23, and Gareth Rigby, 43, were both charged with possessing an offensive weapon. Rigby pleaded guilty, and Mr Mohammed entered no plea. Demonstrators protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's disputed victory in Bogota. Maduro has vowed to pulverise challenge to his rule. Photograph: Luis Acosta/AFP/Getty Images The Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro has vowed to pulverise the latest challenge to his rule and told troops he is willing to do anything to protect his revolution amid growing criticism of the crackdown that followed last weeks disputed election. Maduro says more than 2,000 people have been arrested in the days since the 28 July vote while human rights groups say at least 22 people have been killed. On Sunday, the EU said it was seriously concerned about the growing number of arbitrary detentions in Venezuela and the harassment of the opposition, which has produced evidence suggesting its candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, won the election. The European Union calls on Venezuelan authorities to put an end to arbitrary detentions, repression and violent rhetoric against members of the opposition and civil society, and to release all political prisoners, the EUs foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said in a statement. Related: Maduro has lost the streets: in Venezuelas barrios, former loyal voters risk all in protests Canadian foreign minister Melanie Joly also condemned the violence in a statement on Sunday and said citizen witnesses and international observers had provided credible evidence that the results provided by Maduros authorities dont reflect the will of the Venezuelan people. Maduro, who claims he won the election but has yet to provide proof, rejected such criticism on Sunday during a military ceremony in Caracas. The EU is a disgrace, Maduro told members of the Bolivarian National Guard, a branch of the military that has been involved in the clampdown. Decorating troops whom Maduro said were injured while responding to post-election disturbances last Monday and Tuesday, Venezuelas authoritarian president said: We are confronting, defeating, containing and pulverising an attempted coup in Venezuela. Maduro, who was elected after the 2013 death of his mentor Hugo Chavez, urged military chiefs to order a total deployment of their troops in response to the opposition challenge. Earlier, Venzeuelas president told troops equipped with rifles and riot shields: You can be certain that we will go after all of the criminals and all of the fascists because fascism will not seize power in Venezuela. I am willing to do anything and I am counting on you to ensure order, law and the constitution prevail. Sundays event appeared designed to send a message of military unity at a time when Maduros political opponents have been urging the armed forces to abandon Chavezs unpopular heir. Twenty-four hours earlier, tens of thousands of pro-government protests marched to the presidential palace in what was designed to be a similar show of public support. During Sundays televised ceremony, one young soldier took the microphone to declare complete fealty to his commander-in-chief: Be mindful that you have a Bolivarian National Guard that is committed, devoted and absolutely from the bottom of its heart loyal to you and to the Bolivarian revolution. We are aware that only with you leading us the homeland will not be lost; that only with you leading us the flame of revolution will not go out, the soldier told Maduro. The governments increasingly hard-line rhetoric and the wave of arrests has spooked government opponents although they returned to the streets on Saturday after being summoned by Maria Corina Machado, the charismatic opposition leader who turbocharged Gonzalezs campaign. 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 thousands of supporters. Writing in the Economist, Gonzalez rejected Maduros claim that his campaign was responsible for stirring up violence or behind a conspiracy to illegally seize power. It would be against my principles and against my lifelong record to advocate any violence, let alone a coup detat. The regime, on the contrary, seems to be willing to stay in power by any means possible, including the use of violence, added Gonzalez, a 74-year-old diplomat who agreed to stand for the presidency after Machado was banned from running. The former ambassador claimed he had won a large, indisputable majority in the election and called for a competent, impartial verification of the election results with urgency. The US and other countries have recognised Gonzalezs win while left-wing governments of Venezuelas neighbours, Brazil and Colombia, have urged Maduro to release detailed election data in a bid to defuse the growing crisis. On Sunday, the British foreign secretary, David Lammy, tweeted: It is essential that the safety of the democratic opposition is respected. But Maduro, who is widely blamed for a crippling economic crisis that has forced about eight million citizens to flee abroad, has given no hint of being prepared to publicly release such data, let alone relinquish power. On Sunday he called one political opponent a filthy rat and others demonic forces, comparing his foes to Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini and Francisco Franco. I will never surrender, Maduro declared. Arthur Holscher-Ermert was struck as he crossed a road - Alice Hepple/PA A police officer has been cleared of causing death by dangerous driving after a patrol car hit a pedestrian.. Pc Christopher Corker, 40, had been due to stand trial at the Old Bailey on Monday after Arthur Holscher-Ermert, 27, was killed in the crash in Peacehaven, East Sussex. He was accused of having deliberately steered on the wrong side of the road towards the victim in a misguided and dangerous attempt to stop him running away. The case was based on video footage from the police car and a passing motorist of the incident at 11.10pm on April 30 2022. But the court heard that experts had agreed that Pc Corker, who was charged in December 2023 and suspended from Sussex Police, was trying to avoid hitting Mr Holscher-Ermert. They said the manoeuvre would have succeeded had the victim not also changed direction. Judge Richard Marks KC said: My sincere condolences for the loss the family suffered. It appears to have been a tragic accident. Footage played at an earlier hearing showed the moment Mr Holscher-Ermert was struck. He was walking across the A259 South Coast Road when the police car crossed the white centre road markings and hit him. The accident occurred on the South Coast Road in Peacehaven - David Goddard/Getty Images Prosecutor Jonathan Sandiford KC said: The Crown case was that the collision had been caused by him deliberately steering his vehicle on to the wrong side of the road in a misguided and dangerous attempt to stop the deceased running away. Because the officer had already reacted, there was a collision. The deceased tried to stop and appeared to have stumbled into the officers vehicle. The experts have agreed steering onto the wrong side of the road may have avoided a collision. the victims family including his father, economics lecturer Prof Jens Holscher, said after the hearing: Instead of attending trial today, we as a family have had to process the sudden news that the CPS are discontinuing criminal proceedings against Pc Corker. This is incredibly upsetting and disappointing. We were hoping to start to get answers about what happened to Arthur and why. We are shocked to now find out that PC Corker isnt going to be held criminally accountable for what he has done. Our fight for the truth and accountability goes on. Mark Riley, solicitor for Pc Corker, said: This case was difficult for all concerned. We are pleased that the court recognised that this was a tragic accident. The CPS charged the officer following a year-long investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct. The watchdog said it would now consider its decision that two officers should face gross misconduct hearings for potential breaches of professional behaviour. Jo Shiner, chief constable of Sussex Police, said: We welcome the outcome reached by the court. My thoughts remain with Mr Holscher-Emerts family and also the officer who has faced criminal proceedings over the last 20 months. An inquest is now expected to open. Elon Musk also questioned Sir Keir Starmer's decision to provide extra protection for mosques Elon Musk and Sir Keir Starmer have clashed after the tech boss claimed that Britain was heading for civil war. The billionaire owner of X, formerly Twitter, provoked a row with Downing Street over the riots that have engulfed UK cities amid accusations that social media is fuelling the unrest. In a comment on his social media site about the violence, Mr Musk said civil war is inevitable a remark that was explicitly rejected by the Prime Ministers official spokesman, who said there was no justification for it. Mr Musk then replied to a post on X by Sir Keir, questioning the Prime Ministers decision to provide extra protection for mosques. The spat risks complicating the Governments efforts to get social media companies, including X, to be more proactive in removing disinformation believed to be stoking the riots. It came as a seventh day of disorder saw far-Right and anti-racism protesters face off in Plymouth. Police largely held the two groups apart but the Devon and Cornwall force said officers were met with sustained violence with masonry and fireworks thrown and three officers were injured. In Birmingham, hundreds of Muslims, including men in balaclavas and masks, formed a protective ring around a local mosque and shops amid rumours of a planned march by the far-Right. Hundreds of people came out to protect shops and a mosque in Birmingham - Stop Press Media/Alamy Live News Meanwhile, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nigeria, and the United Arab Emirates all of which have majority Muslim populations as well as Australia, issued travel alerts telling their citizens to be careful if they were travelling to the UK amid the riots. However, Downing Street rebuffed calls for the Army to be deployed or Parliament to be recalled in response to the clashes, which were seen in at least 16 British towns and cities in the last week. Sir Keir was also forced to respond to claims that there was two-tier policing in Britain after Nigel Farage suggested riots over the last week had been dealt with more harshly than other recent unrest and protests. The Prime Minister rejected the claims, and Sir Mark Rowley, the Met Police Commissioner, denied that he had intentionally knocked a microphone out of a reporters hand when asked about the issue. The Government has accused social media companies of fuelling the protests, which were prompted by false claims spread online that the suspect in the killing of three girls in Southport was an asylum seeker. Downing Street said on Monday that action taken by social media companies to tackle misleading and inflammatory material doesnt go far enough. It also warned that some foreign state actors were amplifying online disinformation. Peter Kyle, the Science Secretary, held one-on-one talks with executives from X, YouTube, Meta, Google and TikTok about the spread of hateful misinformation and incitement on the riots. After holding talks with tech giants, Mr Kyle said: There is a significant amount of content circulating that platforms need to be dealing with at pace. Different companies take different approaches, and I expect platforms to ensure that those seeking to spread hate online are not being facilitated and have nowhere to hide. Mr Musk is one of the USs most influential tech bosses, also owning the electric car company Tesla. He is supporting Donald Trumps bid for the US presidency this year. He has commented on X more than a dozen times in recent days on the UK riots. In one post, he reacted to footage allegedly from the UK that showed rioters, some masked, launching fireworks in clashes. He responded civil war is inevitable to a message about the video. Later, Mr Musk responded to a message shared by Sir Keirs official account which said we will not tolerate attacks on mosques or on Muslim communities. He wrote back: Shouldnt you be concerned about attacks on *all* communities? The exchange seemed to be in response to Sir Keirs announcement on Sunday to offer additional security personnel to mosques at risk of being targeted. Mr Musk was previously criticised for reinstating the accounts of far-Right figures including Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, in November last year. In one post about the riots, Mr Musk responded to footage shared by Robinson. Downing Street condemned Mr Musks civil war comment. The Prime Ministers official spokesman said on Monday: Theres no justification for comments like that, and what weve seen in this country is organised thuggery and has no place either on our streets or online. As the Home Secretary said this morning, were talking about a minority of thugs that do not speak for Britain. And in response, weve seen some of the best of our communities, coming out and cleaning up the mess and the disruption of those that dont speak for our country. Meanwhile, Sir Keir faced some criticism from senior Tories for not calling a Cobra meeting about the riots quickly enough. One was eventually held on Monday. James Cleverly, the former home secretary, who is running for the Tory leadership, said the Government should have been quicker in its response to riots taking place across England. Number 10 rejected the criticism. Keir Starmer Its entirely understandable that the Prime Minister has hit out at far-Right thugs who have been responsible for the violence that has erupted across the country in recent days. Those who attacked hotels accommodating asylum seekers represent the very worst of Britain, taking out all their resentments and hatreds against innocent people who have nothing to do with the grievance that sparked off this latest round of mob rule. Attacking the perpetrators of this latest round of violence is necessary, but it is also, for politicians, the easiest and most comfortable response. The alternative, one that our leaders have tried to avoid at all costs, is to lead a debate about the issue that sparked the violence in the first place: immigration. That prospect seems more remote than ever; indeed it would be foolish to concede anything to the mob, lest they conclude rightly that their violence, intimidation and thuggery was being rewarded with an acknowledgement that things have to change. Yet by labelling the perpetrators as far-Right, by refusing to acknowledge explicitly that political violence and intimidation has been the recent modus operandi of groups with other, no less appalling, ambitions, Keir Starmer risks being seen as an apologist for two-tier policing. If even his Chancellor can warn that a failure to curb immigration will lead to rioting, it seems eminently sensible to consider that there is more to the latest unrest than mindless, opportunistic violence by the far-Right. In 2016, Rachel Reeves, then a Labour backbencher and one of the more thoughtful voices on the defeated Remain side of the vexed Brexit debate, warned that high levels of immigration and EU freedom of movement had to come to an end: We have got to get [Brexit] right because there are bubbling tensions in this country that I just think could explode. You had those riots [in London] in 2011... If riots started again in Leeds and bits of my constituency its like a tinderbox. Turns out she was right. Obviously, Reeves was not remotely justifying in advance any such violence, but was merely reading the runes. That she was willing to issue such a warning publicly is to her credit. And yet anyone doing so today even in precisely the same terms that Reeves used eight years ago would risk condemnation as an enabler of the violence weve seen over the last few days. But instead of acknowledging the frustration and anger that exists in communities across the country, as Reeves did in 2016, the government and the wider establishment instead seek to delegitimise concerns about immigration, perhaps in the hope that, contrary to all experience and common sense, the issue will just go away. Political violence in a democracy is unacceptable. It was unacceptable in 2020, in the aftermath of George Floyds murder by police in Minneapolis. It was unacceptable when rioting broke out in Leeds, sparked by local anger at the removal by social workers of two Roma children from their families. It was unacceptable last year when ethnic rivalries erupted on the streets of Leicester. It was unacceptable in London in 2011. It was unacceptable in 1984 when a taxi driver taking strike-breaking miners to work was killed by a lump of concrete thrown through his cars windscreen by striking miners. In all these cases, the motivations of the perpetrators were examined and even sympathised with; but this has not happened in the latest episodes of violence. The political priority, of course, must be to stop the violence immediately and to bring to justice anyone involved in perpetrating or encouraging it. But the Prime Minister cannot be allowed to pretend that such violence is the sole preserve of only one group of people just because it is comforting and convenient to do so. And he cannot hope to pretend that the unacceptably high levels of immigration that we have endured since leaving the EU can be continued without the kind of consequences that the Chancellor warned of nearly a decade ago. Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally in Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday. Photograph: Edward M Pio Roda/EPA Donald Trump has for months denigrated electric vehicles, arguing their supporters should rot in hell and that assisting the nascent industry is lunacy. He now appears to have somewhat shifted his view thanks to the support of Elon Musk, the worlds richest person. Im for electric cars, I have to be because Elon endorsed me very strongly, Trump, the Republican nominee for US president, told supporters at a rally in Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday. The transactional nature of this relationship with Musk was made clear by the former president and convicted business fraudster, however. So I have no choice, said Trump, who then went on to say that electric vehicles were suitable for a small slice of the population and that you want every type of car imaginable to be available. Trump also claimed that $9tn would be needed to build a network of electric car chargers, which is not a figure that has been cited by the industry or White House. Joe Bidens administration has vowed to build 500,000 chargers, far fewer than the approximately 28m needed, and secured several billion dollars for this, although progress on this buildout has been painfully slow. Musk, the chief executive of Tesla who has pushed increasingly strident rightwing views via his ownership of Twitter/X, has backed Trumps return to the White House despite the candidates repeated antipathy to electric cars on the campaign trail. Last month Musk denied reports he was planning to donate $45m a month to a Super Pac focused on getting Trump elected; he declined to clarify how much he planned to donate. Trump has warned that the presidents embrace of electric cars will bring a bloodbath to the US automotive industry, falsely claimed that battery-powered cars dont work in cold weather and that they arent able to travel long distances. Youre not going to be able to sell those cars, he has warned of Mexico-made EVs in the US market. A new Trump administration will immediately terminate Joe Bidens insane electric vehicle mandate, Trump has said. There is no such mandate, although Biden has overseen a tightening of vehicle pollution rules that should help make EVs more attractive and has signed legislation providing a tax rebate for new EV buyers. Last year, more than 1 million electric cars were sold in the US for the first time and analysts expect numbers to climb further this year, approaching a tipping point where even a withdrawal of government support for them will not slow the growth in sales. Several barriers still remain, however, such as the comparatively high cost of electric cars compared with gasoline and diesel models, a lack of chargers and supply chain snags. Environmental advocates, who point out that transportation is the largest source of US greenhouse gas emissions as well as a nexus of deadly air pollution, argue that more needs to be done to shift Americans away from gas-guzzling cars, or out of cars altogether. The writing is on the wall: around the world, the future of personal transportation is electric, independent of whatever the United States decides to do, said Sheldon Whitehouse, a Democratic senator and owner of two Chevy Bolts, last week. And thats great. Theyre quieter, faster and more fun to drive. They dont have tailpipe emissions stinking up highways and neighborhoods. Repair and maintenance costs are nearly nonexistent. A dinghy carrying about 65 people is intercepted in the Channel in March. Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Refugees are being crammed into boats on French beaches in ever-increasing numbers, human rights groups have said, leading to an increased risk of crushing and suffocation as a result of the UKs stop the boats policy. A seven-year-old girl is among at least eight people who have died of suffocation on a dinghy in the Channel in less than a year. There were seven deaths in four incidents over 16 days last month, the highest number since small boat crossings began, according to NGOs monitoring them. They have said that heavy policing of beaches in France to deter the smugglers could cause more deaths unless the UK government introduces safe-passage policies. The most recent death, on 28 July, involved a Syrian woman believed to have suffocated while in a dinghy. Organisations such as Utopia 56, which supports displaced and homeless people in France; and Alarm Phone, which monitors the Channel and the Mediterranean and passes on distress calls to the coastguard, have blamed the increased frequency of fatal incidents and the emergence of suffocation as a cause of death on the UKs crackdown on small boats. An Alarmphone spokesperson said: We believe that at least 62 people have died at the UK border since March 2023, when the UK and France signed their latest deal to stop the boats. Of those, 39 people died in sea crossing related incidents and eight of those were crushed to death in the dinghy. Are these numbers within the acceptable limits for the UK and French governments? Britain is funding more aggressive French policing on the beaches. In March 2023, 478m was given for 500 extra officers, a new detention centre and other measures to stop people getting into dinghies to cross the Channel. The number of dinghies available has also decreased after attempts by the UK and others to disrupt the supply chain in countries where they are sourced, such as Germany and Turkey. French police sometimes slash the boats with knives, rendering them useless. Related: UK government urged to offer safe and legal route for asylum seekers as poll shows support This has led to dinghies departing in great haste before they are properly inflated and with larger numbers of people packed into them, increasing the likelihood of crushing. In an incident on 23 April, five people were crushed to death, including Sara Alhashimi, seven, from Iraq. There were reportedly 112 people on the boat. In an incident on 26 September last year a boat left Sangatte beach near Calais and a 24-year-old Eritrean woman onboard was reportedly crushed and suffocated. It is possible there are more cases that have not been recorded as a result of the chaotic and overcrowded situation on dinghies, where many of those onboard do not know each other and speak many different languages. A Home Office spokesperson said: We all want to see an end to dangerous small boat crossings, which are undermining border security and putting lives at risk. The new government is taking steps to boost our border security, setting up a new border security command which will bring together our intelligence and enforcement agencies, equipped with new counter-terror-style powers and hundreds of personnel stationed in the UK and overseas, to smash the criminal smuggling gangs making millions in profit. Sir Mark Rowley grabbed a Sky News journalist's microphone and walked off across the road - Sky News Sir Mark Rowley was caught on camera grabbing a reporters microphone following a question about two-tier policing. The Metropolitan Police Commissioner was on his way out of the Governments emergency Cobra meeting, where ministers and police chiefs were discussing the response to the far-Right violence sweeping Britain, when he was approached by journalists. A reporter from Sky News asked: Are we going to end two-tier policing, sir? a reference to claims that forces have been tougher in their response to the far-Right riots than unrest at pro-Palestinian demonstrations or disturbances in the Harehills area of Leeds last month. Rather than respond to the question, Sir Mark grabbed the journalists mic and threw part of it to the ground before walking towards a waiting car on Whitehall. In a statement, a Scotland Yard spokesman rejected suggestions that Sir Mark had been upset by the question or anything that had happened at the Government meeting. The spokesman said: The Commissioner had a positive and constructive meeting with the Prime Minister and partners across government and policing. He was in a hurry to return to New Scotland Yard to take action on the agreed next steps. Story is a distraction In a statement issued on Monday evening, Sir Mark said: This morning I was part of a positive and constructive Cobra meeting with the Prime Minister about our collective response to hateful behaviour and violent disorder across the country. Theres been a story running all day about my exit from the meeting. This is a distraction from the critical events we are dealing with. It was agreed the Prime Minister would provide an update afterwards and it was not my place to speak publicly. In an effort to move a microphone out of my path Im sorry that I knocked it to the floor. That was never my intention. We remain focused on the critical and urgent matters at hand. It comes as a police force has admitted public confidence was undermined after an officer was filmed telling counter-protesters to get rid. Staffordshire Police said they had launched a review after a protest liaison officer told a crowd gathered outside a mosque in Stoke-on-Trent to discard any weapons within the place of worship. The officer was filmed in a video, which was live-streamed on TikTok, addressing a crowd of men outside the Darul Falah mosque in Hanley, on Saturday. Theres no two-tier policing Questions over whether police respond differently to unrest depending on whether it comes from the Right or Left wing, emerged last November when Suella Braverman, then the home secretary, wrote an article in which she said there was a perception that senior police officers played favourites when it comes to protesters. She claimed aggressive Right-wing protesters were rightly met with a stern response, while pro-Palestinian mobs were largely ignored. Days later, she was sacked and replaced by James Cleverly in a Cabinet reshuffle. In a statement calling for Parliament to be recalled from its summer recess, Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, said the impression of two-tier policing had become widespread. But in a televised address following the Cobra meeting, the Prime Minister said: Theres no two-tier policing theres policing without fear or favour. That is a non-issue. The focus here is not on the apparent motivation of anyone involved in this. This is violence. The Prime Ministers official spokesman told reporters: The job of the police is to keep everyone safe, to tackle violence and disorder no matter the origination. Dame Priti Patel, a former Conservative home secretary, also dismissed Mr Farages claims, telling Times Radio: There is a clear difference between effectively blocking streets or roads being closed, to burning down libraries, hotels, food banks and attacking places of worship. What we have seen is thuggery, violence, racism. Those kinds of comments are simply not relevant right now. That is not correct, it is not correct. More than 420 people have been arrested since riots erupted following the knife attack on children attending a Taylor Swift-themed holiday dance club last Monday. Robert F Kennedy Jr posed with the dead bear cub - The New Yorker/@brianstelter From claiming that doctors found a worm in his brain to fending off reports that he had taken a bite out of a dog carcass in Korea, Robert F Kennedy Jr has emerged as one of the most eccentric presidential candidates in US history. In the latest surreal disclosure, Mr Kennedy has admitted dumping a dead bear cub in Central Park, New York City solving a riddle which has puzzled locals for a decade. The 70-year-old son of assassinated presidential candidate Robert Kennedy confessed to the prank, which entailed leaving a bicycle at the scene to make it look like an accident, in a campaign video late on Sunday night. Mr Kennedy, whose recent poll ratings have slumped, said he had been forced to publish the video to get ahead of a story due to be published in the New Yorker magazine. Looking forward to seeing how you spin this one, @NewYorker Mr Kennedy posted with a video of himself at a kitchen table talking to Roseanne Barr, the comedian. Looking forward to seeing how you spin this one, @NewYorker pic.twitter.com/G13taEGzba Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) August 4, 2024 The New Yorker published its piece on Monday morning with a never-seen-before picture of Kennedy with his hand in a bear cubs mouth as the animal lay dead in the back of his car. The incident raises yet further questions over the controversial Independent challenging Donald Trump and Kamala Harris for the White House. But it also settles a long-running mystery over the bear cub found in the citys park in 2014. Mr Kennedy has admitted dumping a dead bear cub in Central Park, New York City - The New Yorker Reports from the time suggest the bear was found under some bushes by 79-year-old Florence Slatkin while walking her dog. Next to it was the bicycle. The mouth was open and it looked bloody, she told the fascinated press. The bear became the subject of an investigation by the Police Departments animal cruelty squad and taken away for analysis by the conservation departments wildlife health unit. The New York Post quoted police as believing the baby bear was likely murdered. Elizabeth Kaledin, a spokesman for the Central Park Conservancy, said in a statement at the time: The news that a dead black bear cub was found in Central Park is beyond upsetting. By the next day the circumstances around the bears demise had become clearer. Mr Kennedys niece Tatiana Schlossberg, a journalist at the time for the New York Times, reported that authorities had concluded it had been by a car. But so many questions remain unanswered: How did the bear end up in Central Park? Was there foul play involved? Did she die in the park, or was she dumped there? Investigators at Central Park where the dead bear cub was found - New York Daily News/New York Daily News The LA Times was ready to consign the story to the pantheon of bizarre animal tales in the city. Among them, the man who kept a 425-pound tiger in his flat until it bit him. And the venomous cobra who went on the loose after escaping from the Bronx zoo. There the story would have stayed had it not been for the New Yorker, which decided to write a profile on the presidential candidate. Clearly there had been gossip suggesting that Mr Kennedy, who has a reputation for eccentricity, may have been involved. One of the magazines fact checkers put the tale to him and Mr Kennedy opted to confess on video. According to Mr Kennedy he picked up the bear after it had been hit by a woman in a van as he was driving towards the Hudson Valley. So, I pulled over and I picked up the bear and put him in the back of my van because I was going to skin the bear, and it was in very good condition, and I was going to put the meat in my refrigerator, Mr Kennedy told Barr in a video at a kitchen table. And you do that in New York state. You can get a bear tag for roadkill bear. RFK Jr said he initially planned to skin the bear and store its meat at his house - Reuters Things did not go quite according to plan. With Mr Kennedy running late after a days falconing and then dinner at the Peter Luger Steakhouse in the city, he had to go to the airport and did not have time to go home and put the bear carcass in the fridge. And the bear was in my car, and I didnt want to leave the bear in the car because that would have been bad, he said. So, then I thought, you know at that time this was the little bit of the redneck me thered been a series of bicycle accidents in New York. They had just put in the bike lanes and so a couple of people were getting killed and it was every day and people were badly injured every day, it was in the press. Thinking quickly, he says he dumped an old bike which he also had in the car alongside the dead bear. The next day all hell broke loose. It was like it was on every television station. It was the front page of every paper and I turned on the TV and there was like a mile of yellow tape and there were 20 cop cars, there were helicopters flying over it. And I was like, Oh my God, what did I do? And then there were some people on TV in Tyvek suits with gloves on lifting up the bike and theyre saying theyre gonna take this up to Albany to get it fingerprinted, he said. And I was worried because my prints were all over that bike. The New Yorkers subsequent article said he had come across the dead bear while driving in upstate New York, and loaded it into his car to show off to his friends. The piece continued: A person with knowledge of the event said that Kennedy thought it would be funny to make it look as if the animal had been killed by an errant cyclist. When The New Yorker asked him about it, he replied: Maybe thats where I got my brain worm.| He has previously claimed that doctors have found a dead worm in his brain. A legal deposition over a divorce said: He sought treatment and said in the deposition two years later that a doctor told him the issues could be caused by a worm that got into my brain and ate a portion of it and then died. Mr Kennedy has also recently been forced to deny that he took a bite out of a dog carcass on a trip to Korea. The presidential candidate reportedly posed with the barbecued remains of a dog in a photo taken in 2010 the same year he had the tapeworm removed from his brain. In a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, Mr Kennedy, who is a strong anti-vaxxer who has repeated numerous conspiracy theories, was favoured by 8 per cent of voters, a significant fall in recent weeks. He has yet to qualify for the ballot in many states ahead of the Nov 5 election, but his inclusion could be critical to a very tight election. Any charges he may have faced for dumping the dead bear in the park would now fall outside the the states statute of limitations. CrowdStrike has fired back against Delta Air Lines for demanding the software firm be held reliable on flight disruptions it suffered following the global IT outage last month. In a letter to Reuters, CrowdStrike denied the airline's allegations that the company had been "grossly negligent or committed misconduct" in restoring its services after the outage. CrowdStrike claimed that it had already reached out to Delta within the first few hours of the incident to "offer onsite assistance" but had "received no response." The company also reiterated that any financial compensations would be "capped at an amount in the single-digit millions" as per the company's contract with the airlines. Also Read : CrowdStrike CEO Called to Testify to Congress Following Global IT Outage Delta Air Lines Face Legal Woes from Delayed IT Service Restoration The statement was made in response to Delta CEO Ed Bastian announcing plans to take legal actions against the company, demanding CrowdStrike to pay $500 million in damages. Delta Air Lines famously canceled over 6,000 flights in the span of six days, affecting more than 500,000 passengers, in the wake of the outage before restoring its services. The US Transportation Department has since opened an investigation into why it took the airline that long before resuming operations as opposed to its competitors also affected by the outage, Federal Scrutiny, Litigations Hound CrowdStrike's Security Update Mishap Delta Air Lines is not the only group demanding responsibility from CrowdStrike for causing a global IT outage that impacted most tech operations in every industry. Several company shareholders have filed a class-action lawsuit against CrowdStrike for defrauding them by concealing its inadequate software testing that led to the outage on July 19. The US Congress has also summoned CEO George Kurtz to testify on the company's plans to prevent similar outages in the future as cyberattack concerns continue to surge across the country. CrowdStrike is among the biggest security software providers in the world as it supplies most of the cybersecurity programs used in many Windows computers. Rioters outside a Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham on Sunday. Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Riots have spread across numerous cities and towns in England, and in Belfast in Northern Ireland, over the last week in the worst outbreak of civil disorder in Britain for 13 years. Police have made 378 arrests since anti-immigrant and far-right unrest erupted after the killing of three young girls in Southport in north-west England last Monday. What has sparked the violence? Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, were killed in a multiple stabbing at a Taylor Swift-inspired dance class in Southport on 29 July. Eight other children sustained knife wounds with five left in a critical condition. Two adults were also critically hurt. Axel Rudakubana, 17, who was born in Cardiff and had been living in Banks, a village in Lancashire a few miles north of Southport, has been charged with three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder. Before the suspects identity was confirmed, false claims proliferated online that he was a Muslim asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK by boat. In the wake of these messages, members of the far right guided by social media have gathered in towns and cities across the country with some shouting anti-immigration and Islamophobic slogans. Counter-protests have also built up with clashes between opposing groups. Where are the riots taking place? Hundreds of rioters descended on the seaside town of Southport last Tuesday, where people were still grieving, barely 36 hours after the three girls were killed. More than 50 police officers were injured in the clashes, which targeted a mosque a short walk from the scene of the atrocity. The next day, disturbances spread to London, Manchester in north-west England, Hartlepool in the north-east, and Aldershot in the south. The disorder continued over the weekend with clashes on Saturday across England in Liverpool, Blackpool, Hull, Stoke-on-Trent, Leeds, Nottingham and Bristol, and also in Belfast in Northern Ireland. On Sunday, rioters tried to set fire to a hotel housing asylum seekers in the South Yorkshire town of Rotherham and attacked police officers. Later, in Tamworth, Staffordshire, a similar incident played out at a Holiday Inn Express hotel, where reports suggested asylum seekers were also being housed, with fires, smashed windows and missiles thrown at officers. In the north-eastern town of Middlesbrough, rioters smashed the windows of houses and cars and hurled objects at officers. How many people have been involved? Thousands of people have taken part in disorder and counter-protests. The National Police Chiefs Council said 378 people have been arrested in the past week. Writing in the Times, the UK home secretary Yvette Cooper said officers were still reviewing footage to identify those throwing missiles, setting fires, looting shops, and attacking innocent motorists and passersby. Several suspects have already appeared in court charged with offences including violent disorder, affray, assault and burglary. One judge described scenes of violence in Belfast as absolutely disgraceful as he refused bail to two men accused of taking part in disorder that followed an anti-immigration gathering in the city on Saturday. What has the reaction been? Some public figures have been accused of spreading misinformation and whipping up tensions between communities following the Southport killings. Andrew Tate, the British-American misogynist influencer, falsely claimed the attacker was an illegal migrant and told people to wake up. The UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, warned on Monday that anyone whipping up violence online would face the full force of the law. The prime ministers spokesperson said there was no justification for comments made by Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X, who said civil war is inevitable after the rioting. Experts have said Musks decision to allow figures such as the British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, back on to X has played a part in the spread of online disinformation. On Sunday, Robinson, who is on holiday abroad, posted footage of the Rotherham hotel attack on X, saying: When British people are ignored and labelled far-right something has to happen. What is the UK government doing? Starmer, a former director of public prosecutions, chaired an emergency meeting with police chiefs and ministers on Monday morning. It followed his televised address to the nation on Sunday in which he vowed that rioters would regret engaging in far-right thuggery. Cooper has said the courts are on standby to ensure swift justice and the Home Office has brought in urgent measures to make sure mosques are offered extra protection. Several countries including Nigeria, Malaysia and Indonesia have issued safety warnings to their citizens in the UK due to the riots. Sir Keir Starmer has rejected calls for Parliament to be recalled in the face of rioting on Britains streets. The Prime Minister said he was focused on ensuring police are able to carry out their duties, as MPs from across the political spectrum demanded Parliament return from its summer recess. Former home secretary Dame Priti Patel, Labour MPs including Diane Abbott and Dawn Butler, and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage have all called for the Commons to cut short the recess after the country endured another night of violence on Sunday. Addressing the calls for a Commons return after an emergency Cobra meeting held to deal with the riots, Sir Keir said: My focus is on ensuring we have got the right people carrying out their duties to ensure that our streets are safe. For the public, that is the first duty of Government and that is where my absolute focus is. Pressed on the matter, the Prime Minister added: My focus is on making sure that we stop this disorder, that the criminal sanctions are swift and be seen to be followed. Speaking to Times Radio, Tory leadership contender Dame Priti said the country is seeing extraordinary criminality. She said: We now need to, in my view, as politicians, get some kind of grip on this, which is why I am calling for the recall of Parliament right now so that we can actually discuss these issues. Dame Priti compared the situation to the 2011 riots, when Parliament was recalled to debate the response to disorder, adding there are many practical things that can be achieved by recalling MPs. Dame Priti Patel said Parliament should be recalled as it was during the 2011 riots (Victoria Jones/PA) She said: Local authorities are now under pressure, the police are under pressure to do more effectively, we need to find out what more do they need. But her leadership rival James Cleverly, the shadow home secretary, suggested recalling Parliament is not necessary provided there is a fast and clear flow of information to MPs. He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: Theres nothing that needs to be voted on, there are no additional powers (needed). Several backbench Labour MPs have also urged the recall of Parliament. Veteran MP Ms Abbott told the BBC that Parliament should be recalled because MPs dont know what ministers are doing to tackle the riots. She said: This is an extraordinarily grave situation. Youve got people trying to burn down hostels where asylum seekers are cowering. Youve got people attacking black and Muslim people on the street. Veteran MP Diane Abbott said Parliament should be recalled because MPs dont know what ministers are doing to tackle the riots (Ian West/PA) We need to be able to question ministers on what exactly is being done and we want to speak up for our communities. These are racist anti-immigrant riots, and we need proper debate and proper analysis in the House of Commons. Brent East MP Ms Butler said: It may be time to recall Parliament. This violence needs to stop. PM is right arrests must be swift. We must also tackle the causes of this violence which is as simple as it is complex. Some uncomfortable truths must be addressed. Other MPs such as Ian Byrne and Zarah Sultana simply tweeted Recall Parliament. Also demanding the recall of Parliament, Mr Farage said the country needs to have a more honest debate about immigration, integration and policing to give people the confidence that there are political solutions that are relevant to them. Shabna Begum, chief executive of the Runnymede Trust which explores race equality and civil rights, said MPs meeting again could effect a co-ordinated political response which gets to the root of this violence. Firefighters tend to a burning police car on the streets of Hartlepool following a violent protest (Owen Humphreys/PA) She said: The framing of this national crisis from British media and our politicians is part of the reason this violence has been festering for such a long time. Turning this into a discussion about integration betrays the communities that have been the victims of this violence and further normalises racist narratives which scapegoat Muslims, migrants and people of colour. Language matters, and insisting on reporting racist rioters as protesters and demonstrators is a gross misrepresentation of the violence impacting communities of colour across the UK. The Prime Ministers official spokesman did not rule out recalling Parliament, but said the Governments focus was to ensure that communities are kept safe, to ensure that people who have participated in this violent disorder face the full force of the law. Parliament has only been recalled from recess six times in the past decade once in 2016 to pay tribute to Labour MP Jo Cox after her murder by a far-right terrorist, on three occasions in 2020 and 2021 to debate issues related to the pandemic, again in April 2021 to pay tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh after his death, and most recently in August 2021 after the fall of Kabul. Police believe that more violence linked to planned anti-immigration protests is likely in Belfast in the coming days, a court has heard. A judge described scenes of disorder in the city at the weekend as absolutely disgraceful as he refused bail to four men. Deputy District Judge Liam McStay said there were racist elements to the violence and that the message had to be sent that if you allow yourself to become involved in this you will be remanded. PSNI officers man road blocks in Belfast on Saturday evening (David Young/PA) Violence flared after an an anti-immigration demonstration left Belfast City Hall on Saturday. Three police officers were injured in the disturbances. Four men were charged and appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court on Monday. The first to appear was Simeon Eric McCullough, 46, of Schomberg Drive in Belfast, who was charged with disorderly behaviour and resisting police. The court was told the alleged offences had occurred in the Sandy Row area of Belfast on Saturday evening. A PSNI constable told the court that the alleged offences had taken place during unrest which saw attacks on police officers and businesses belonging to members of ethnic minority communities. He said the defendant was observed verbally attacking police. Objecting to bail, the constable said: Police have information that more disorder is likely in the next coming days. A defence lawyer said his client was not connected to any serious disorder and had gone out in the evening to walk his dog before finding himself separated from his house by lines of police officers, ending up in a confrontation and being arrested. Judge McStay told the court: The events at the weekend were absolutely disgraceful: a concerted and deliberate attempt to undermine public order and to then domineer the community, and there were racist elements to it. He said it was not alleged McCullough had participated in the worst aspects of the violence. But the judge added: The position is that this court cannot allow the type of behaviour that occurred on Saturday to be repeated and to be visited on other people, and the message has to be if you allow yourself to become involved in these matters for whatever reason, then you will face the consequences. In this case the risk of reoffending, my significant concern is it is at a very high level. It is concerted and it is directed in a racist way towards residents who are stuck in the same areas as the people who are affecting the unrest. Riot police separate rival protesters during an anti-Islamic protest at Belfast City Hall (Peter Morrison/PA) The message has to be that if you allow yourself to become involved in this you will be remanded. Bail was refused and McCullough was remanded in custody until August 19. Gary Creighton, 38, from Inishowen Drive in Belfast, was charged with possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence, possession of fireworks without a licence, and riotous behaviour. He also faced a charge of disorderly behaviour. The PSNI constable told the court that Creighton had been observed on two occasions throwing lit fireworks into a crowd of people during an anti-immigrant protest at Belfast City Hall on Saturday. A defence lawyer said there was nothing to connect her client to more serious offending which occurred at the weekend. She said Creighton had accepted he threw a firework and was remorseful. Judge McStay said: Anybody who engages in this type of behaviour is going to find themselves in great difficulty in achieving bail. Creighton was remanded in custody until September 2. Bernard Lavery, 34, from Farnham Street in Belfast, appeared charged with taking part in an unnotified public procession. A PSNI detective constable told the court that Lavery had been at the front of the anti-immigration protest which left Belfast City Hall carrying an Irish tricolour flag and using mobile phones. She said: Police believe that he has played a significant role and was more than a spectator in that protest. He is also seen at a time gesturing and pointing towards hotels in the city centre. She added: Police believe his role was pivotal to the disorder that then arose from those events. PSNI officers man road blocks in Belfast following an anti-Islamic protest outside Belfast City Hall (David Young/PA) Police are in receipt of information that there is the potential for further disorder and we believe that poses a public risk to our communities and our businesses. A defence lawyer said his client had been fully co-operative with police and denied having any leadership role in the protest. He said his client had only attended the protest after a flyer was posted through his door and had encouraged those who had engaged in disorder to desist. Lavery was remanded in custody until September 2. Last to appear was Michael John Coulter, 53, of York Park in Belfast who was charged with resisting police, three counts of assault on police and disorderly behaviour. A PSNI constable said Coulter had been in the Shaftesbury Square area on Saturday night with two children when he verbally abused police, calling them black bastards. The constable said he struck police with his crutch when he was approached. A defence lawyer said his client was disabled and had nothing to do with the protest but had stopped in the area to buy a kebab following a night out. Coulter was denied bail and was remanded in custody until September 2. Liz Truss has said riots in the UK cannot be allowed to escalate as she condemned the appalling violence. More violence was experienced across the streets of England and Northern Ireland, with the former prime minister using her Edinburgh Festival Fringe appearance to demand police have the ability to act without fear or favour to prevent further aggression. She said current prime minister Sir Keir Starmer should hold daily Cobra meetings to get a handle on the situation. However, she also addressed illegal immigration during the All Talk with Iain Dale fringe event, accusing the UK Government of sending the wrong message by scrapping the Rwanda scheme. Speaking during the event, which was hosted by LBC presenter Matthew Stadlen, she said: I completely condemn the appalling violence and I am shocked to see what we are seeing happening on the streets of Britain. She added: Nobody should be condoning that type of violence or the attacks on the Muslim or Jewish communities. Its shocking and appalling and it needs to be dealt with in the firmest possible way. She said Sir Keir needs to be absolutely clear that the police will act without fear or favour towards anybody committing violence anywhere in our country. This situation cannot be allowed to escalate, she said. Sir Keir vowed to ramp up criminal justice after an emergency Cobra meeting was called on Monday one week on from the Southport stabbings in the wake of a sixth day of disorder which saw rioters storm hotels housing asylum seekers. During the same event in Edinburgh, Ms Truss said the current levels of legal migration were too high, arguing the economy had become too reliant on overseas workers. However, she also argued the Labour Government was moving in the wrong direction in its efforts to tackle illegal immigration. Sir Keir scrapped the previous administrations Rwanda scheme, instead pledging to crack down on smuggler gangs who facilitate small boat crossings over the English Channel. She said: As foreign secretary I looked at lots of different options for what we could do, but the fact is that under the law, if somebody arrives as an illegal asylum seeker, you need somewhere for that person to be able to go, otherwise you become a magnet for asylum seekers. These are not easy things to sort out but I think Keir Starmer has sent the wrong message by immediately cancelling the Rwanda policy and having no alternative. The UK Government has been asked for comment. Simone Biles failed to add another Olympic gold to her Paris medal collection after she suffered a surprise defeat in the womens floor exercise final. At a packed Bercy Arena, Biles completed all her tumble sequences but she twice stepped out of the floor area after landing mistakes which proved costly and resulted in a score of 14.133. That was good enough for second behind Brazils Rebeca Andrade who scored 14.166, with American Jordan Chiles taking third after successfully appealing her initial score. Biles does return to the US with three golds in her possession, having won the all around and vault titles, plus the team competition. Simone Biles Olympic competition in Paris ended with a silver medal on the floor after what she said was an absolutely wild day. Biles had already claimed three golds, having won the all around and vault titles, plus the team competition and was expected to conclude her campaign with success on the floor. However, at a packed Bercy Arena, Biles twice stepped out of the floor area during her routine which proved costly as her score of 14.133 left her behind Brazils Rebeca Andrade who scored 14.166, with American Jordan Chiles taking third after successfully appealing her initial score. Biles had earlier finished fifth in the balance beam final when a number of competitors fell, including her American compatriot Sunisa Lee, in what she described as an odd final with the crowd shushing those who were shouting encouragement during performances. Brazilian gold medallist Rebeca Andrade (centre), USA silver medalist Simone Biles (left) and USA bronze medallist Jordan Chiles (right) after the womens floor final (Mike Egerton/PA). She said: The beam final is always the most stressful, usually we have music or background noise, whatever that may be, and honestly we do better in environments when theres noise going on because it feels the most like practice. Today you could hear the ringtones going off, the photo clickers, whatever that was and youre trying to stay in your zone and then the people start cheering and the shushing gets louder so they should be shushed because theyre louder. I dont know, it was really weird and awkward and wed asked if weve could have some music or some background noise, so Im not really sure what happened there. Its not our favourite, none of us liked it. It was an odd beam final. Despite her beam disappointment and defeat at the hands of Andrade, Biles returns home happy with her performances in Paris. After winning four golds in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, Biles claimed a bronze medal on the balance beam in Tokyo but then withdrew from her three other individual finals citing a mental block known in her sport as the twisties. She said: Today has been absolutely wild. Ive been competing here for a week or so now, so obviously exhaustion sets in now but we still had to go out and compete one more time today and its such an honour to compete with these girls on the beam and floor. USAs Simone Biles during the womens floor final at the Paris Olympics (Mike Egerton/PA). Obviously it wasnt my best performances but on the day, whoever medalled medalled and thats what is so exciting with gymnastics. Im not upset about my performance or anything, Im actually very happy, proud and even more excited that its over! Ive accomplished way more than my wildest dreams, not just at this Olympics but in the sport I cant be mad at my performances. A couple of years ago I didnt think Id be back at an Olympic games so competing and walking away with four medals, Im not mad about it, Im pretty proud of myself and its always so exciting to compete. Biles has never hidden her admiration for rival Andrade and both she and Chiles bowed to the Brazilian during the medal ceremony. She added: I love Rebeca, shes incredible. Shes so amazing, a queen, it was an all-black podium so that was super exciting for us and then Jordan said shall we bow to her and I said absolutely thats why we did. Shes so exciting to watch and it was the right thing to do. The Northern Ireland Assembly will be recalled later this week to discuss violent scenes after an anti-immigration protest in Belfast. Several businesses were attacked during the violence on Saturday and business owners said the Islamic community was deliberately targeted. Four men appeared in court on Monday to face charges linked to the violence. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said on Monday evening they are aware of social media posts calling for protests across Northern Ireland in the week ahead. The PSNI said officers will monitor the situation and will be engaging with groups likely to be affected by any protests. Late on Monday police said they were dealing with ongoing disorder in the Donegall Road area, and urged people to avoid the Donegall Road and Sandy Row areas. First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said there is no justification for racism or for the violence and intimidation that occurred on our streets on Saturday. A special meeting of Belfast City Council also took place on Monday evening. Ms Little-Pengelly said she spoke to Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn on Monday. Police are dealing with ongoing disorder in the Donegall Road area of south Belfast tonight. The public should avoid the Donegall Road and Sandy Row areas. An update will be provided in due course. pic.twitter.com/EfsL8ajg0D Police South Belfast (@PSNIBelfastS) August 5, 2024 We agreed on the importance of strong, collective opposition to all violence and disorder, she posted on the X, formerly Twitter. I also highlighted importance to recognise that there are many with genuinely held concerns not involved in violence or racism. Earlier, Stormont Speaker Edwin Poots said the Assembly will be recalled at noon on Thursday after a recall petition submitted by the Alliance Party and backed by the SDLP and Sinn Fein. MLAs will discuss a motion condemning criminal damage and targeting of businesses in recent days. The motion also calls on Ms ONeill and Ms Little-Pengelly to finalise the draft Refugee Integration Strategy and associated Thematic Delivery Plan and present it to the Executive, and to bring forward the renewed Race Relations Order, and set out the process of replacing the Racial Equality Strategy 2015/25 by the end of 2024. In a joint statement, the two leaders said they had spoken earlier with PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and First Minister Michelle ONeill (David Young/PA) While people are entitled to take part in peaceful protest there is no justification for racism or for the violence and intimidation that occurred on our streets on Saturday, they said. Today we have spoken to the Chief Constable and offered him our full support and we pledged to work to deliver a shared, peaceful and inclusive society. There must be a zero-tolerance approach to racism and wanton destruction. Nobody should have to live in fear or threat of violence. Again, we would appeal to anyone with information to contact the PSNI. Stormonts Justice Minister, Naomi Long, said the scenes had been hugely damaging, describing some people as scared to leave their homes because of the colour of their skin. 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. PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher (Liam McBurney/PA) The force said it then prevented an attempt by protesters to march to Belfast Islamic Centre, but that sporadic violence broke out in other parts of the city. Three police officers were injured in the disorder and the PSNI said those involved will be dealt with using the full force of the law. Speaking to the media on Monday, Ms Long said she was absolutely distraught about what happened. These scenes have been broadcast around the globe of the rioting right across the UK and in our main city, she said. Its hugely damaging to our reputation but its also incredibly damaging to our community. We have people in Belfast today who are afraid to go outside of their homes because of the colour of their skin, or because of their religion, or because of their perceived background, because theyre afraid that they will be attacked on the streets. Justice Minister Naomi Long (Liam McBurney/PA) This kind of xenophobia and racism and bigotry isnt acceptable. It is intolerable, and from my perspective when it tips over into violence it is a very serious issue, both for the Department of Justice and for the police service. Ms Long warned anyone considering travelling to Northern Ireland to riot: If you do, you will be held accountable in front of the courts. You will be pursued. There isnt a free pass to come to Northern Ireland and engage in this kind of behaviour. We need as a community in Northern Ireland to stand against this. We need the political leadership. We need leadership from the PSNI. We need leadership from within our community to say that they do not want this visited on the streets of Belfast. We have experienced violence over the years. We know the damage it can do. We above all should understand the vulnerability of people who are being subjected to this kind of intimidation and its up to all of us to play our part in saying this is not welcome in Northern Ireland. If you engage in it, whether you are from Northern Ireland or from outside Northern Ireland, you will be held accountable. Earlier, Ms Long told the BBCs Good Morning Ulster programme: We are already seeing now on social media people making preparations for another round of this this week. A vehicle is set alight in Belfast (David Young/PA) This cannot continue, we cannot have this kind of Islamophobia, xenophobia and hatred on our streets. People have a right to an opinion when it comes to immigration, but it needs to be an informed opinion. What we are seeing instead is radicalisation of people online through disinformation and outright lies. It is incredibly dangerous. If there are lessons to be learned around the policing operation I have no doubt whatsoever they will be learned. Policing Board chairman Mukesh Sharma described the violence in Belfast as deeply depressing and disturbing. As a board, we join in the condemnation of all those who engaged in this disorder, and we welcome police commitments to bring all those responsible to justice, he said. There is no place for hate in our community. Northern Ireland Policing Board chairman Mukesh Sharma (Liam McBurney/PA) We all have a real job of work to do to provide reassurance to the community that the violent actions of a few are not representative of our society. I welcome the increased police engagement at this time with affected and concerned communities, and also trust that all those officers injured in the course of the disorder make a speedy recovery. Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts said: These attacks are despicable and should be condemned. Racism has no place in our community and those behind these attacks should be brought to justice. Our thoughts are with the owners and staff of these businesses going through such a traumatic experience. We hope that the police will learn lessons from last weekend and ensure that these disgraceful, racially motivated attacks on business owners are prevented in future. The First Minister has said there is no place in Scotland for hatred of any kind after meeting members of the Muslim community. On Monday, John Swinney and Justice Secretary Angela Constance met Imam Habib Rauf, representatives of the Scottish Refugee Council (SRC) the Muslim Council of Scotland (MCoS) and members of the wider Scottish Muslim community at Edinburgh Central Mosque. Mr Swinney attended to express his solidarity with Muslims in Scotland, after a number of violent scenes that took place elsewhere in the UK over the weekend. Mr Swinney and Ms Constance had also met the chief constable and other senior Police Scotland officers earlier in the day to discuss preparedness and provide reassurance to communities. First Minister John Swinney with Imam Habib Rauf at Edinburgh Central Mosque (Jane Barlow/PA) After the meeting, Mr Swinney said: Let me be absolutely clear, the type of behaviour we have seen in other parts of the United Kingdom is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in Scotland. I want to send my good wishes to the communities affected, as well as the police officers and other frontline responders working tirelessly to keep them safe. I have always been proud that Scotland is a diverse, multicultural country. The Scottish Government is unequivocally committed to championing the rights of all of our citizens, including strengthening the already resilient communities where people live in peace. I am grateful to have met with members of our Muslim community and those who represent asylum seekers today, to pledge our support and reiterate the point that Scotland is a welcoming society. Mr Swinney said that Police Scotland assured him they would continue to monitor the situation very closely and that they are prepared to deal with any similar situation in Scotland should it arise. First Minister John Swinney and Justice Secretary Angela Constance (right) meet Imam Habib Rauf (left) at Edinburgh Central Mosque. (Jane Barlow/PA) He added: I want to thank all those officers and members of Police Scotland staff for the work they are continuing to do through ongoing engagement with communities across Scotland and for the reassurance they are providing. There is no place in Scotland for hatred of any kind, and each of us has a responsibility to confront racism and religious prejudice wherever and whenever it appears. People will always try to divide us and it is imperative in these moments that we come together even stronger to stand defiant. Police Scotland say there is currently no intelligence to suggest riots and protests similar to those elsewhere in the UK will happen in Scotland. Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton, Policing Together, said: We understand that these recent events may cause concern, that is why we have focused our efforts on increasing policing visibility and engagement across the country as our primary commitment remains the safety and wellbeing of all our communities and our officers and in building trust and confidence. We continue to closely monitor the events in England. Police Scotland is dedicated to upholding human rights and will not tolerate violence or discrimination against any group. We wish to thank the Scottish people for their support and while we believe there is no cause for alarm, we encourage anyone with concerns or information to report them to us. The SRC and MCoS were contacted for comment. Sir Keir Starmer has rejected claims of two-tier policing in Britain after Nigel Farage suggested riots over the last week have been dealt with more harshly than other recent unrest and protests. The Prime Minister flatly denied Mr Farages claims as a non-issue and insisted policing was carried out without fear or favour. Rioting has spread across English towns and cities over the last week, beginning in Southport after last Mondays stabbing in the Merseyside town which led to the death of three young girls. Axel Rudakubana, a 17-year-old from Lancashire, 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. Anti-immigration rioters have stormed hotels housing asylum seekers amid chaos over the weekend. Police Officers walk past a burnt out police vehicle as they are deployed on the streets of Hartlepool following a violent protest (Owen Humphreys/PA) Some have sought to compare the policing of the violence with other recent events such as the disorder in Harehills, Leeds, in mid-July or the pro-Palestine marches through London. In a statement calling for Parliament to be recalled from its summer recess, Reform UK leader Mr Farage said the impression of two-tier policing had become widespread. But speaking after an emergency Cobra meeting called to address the unrest, Sir Keir responded: There is no two-tier policing. There is policing without fear or favour exactly as it should be, exactly what I would expect and require. So that is a non-issue. The Prime Ministers official spokesman meanwhile told reporters: The job of the police is to keep everyone safe, to tackle violence and disorder no matter the origination. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley appeared to grab a journalists microphone and throw it to the ground as he left the Cobra meeting. Sir Mark did not respond as the reporter asked him: Are you going to end two-tier policing? Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley leaving Downing Street after Sir Keir Starmers meeting of the Governments emergency Cobra committee (Aaron Chown/PA) Dame Priti Patel, a Conservative former home secretary, had earlier joined Sir Keir in rubbishing Mr Farages claims. She told Times Radio: There is a clear difference between effectively blocking streets or roads being closed, to burning down libraries, hotels, food banks and attacking places of worships. What we have seen is thuggery, violence, racism. She added: Those kinds of comments are simply not relevant right now. That is not correct, it is not correct. Sir Keir announced a series of measures to deal with rioters after the emergency meeting, including plans for a standing army of specialist police officers to tackle unrest, as well as moves to ramp up the criminal justice process to carry out swift prosecutions. The Liberal Democrats welcomed the new measures, with Sir Ed Davey saying: We welcome the actions taken by our brave police officers and the new measures announced today by the Government to clamp down on criminals attempting to terrorise our communities. People from all backgrounds and all walks of life have come together to condemn these riots and clean up the damage. It is they who truly represent Britain, not the rioters and those who have incited them. High School Musical star Zac Efron has said he is happy and healthy after a swimming accident saw him taken to hospital. The actor confirmed he was safe on his Instagram story, after representatives for the 36-year-old told TMZ that he had a minor swimming incident at a villa in Ibiza on Friday. His post read: Happy and healthy thanks for well wishes. Zac Efron was taken to hospital after a swimming accident last week (Ian West/PA) In the Instagram post, Efron can be seen lifting weights while laying on a pink inflatable fitness ball. Representatives told the American outlet he was released from hospital on Saturday, where he had been taken as a precautionary measure. Efron has spent the last month travelling around Europe, where he has been spotted in St Tropez, Mykonos and Paris. During his trip, he joined Martin Garrix on stage on the Spanish party island. The actor made his name in 2006 playing Troy Bolton in Disneys High School Musical series. He went on to star in The Greatest Showman, 17 Again, and as serial killer Ted Bundy in Netflixs Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile. Efron won an Emmy Award in 2021 for Netflix travel show, Down To Earth. dog skull staring at camera shutterstock Most people are aware of the most popular dog breeds that exist today. We have Labradors, Goldens, Chihuahuas, Pugs, and everything in between. But did you know there are some dog breeds who simply dont exist anymore? Believe it or not, plenty of pups who once were around have disappeared with time. Luckily, we still see their legacy in the breeds of today. But lets go ahead and take a trip through history and meet seven different historical dog breeds who were once our fondest companions. 7 Extinct Dog Breeds Molossus Even the name says a lot about this dog. These powerhouses of the pup world were popular in Ancient Greece and Rome around 500 B. C (making them among the oldest of breeds on this list), and served as guardians, war dogs, and of course, trusty companions. You can see tons of examples of these formidable canines in ancient art and literature, as well as see examples of their more desirable traits in descendants such as the Mastiff, the Saint Bernard, and the Great Dane. Why did they go extinct? Well, the Molossus dogs werent really as necessary anymore and, lets face it, these dogs took a LOT to raise, train, and feed. Their numbers started to decline during the early medieval period when changing warfare tactics and societal shifts away from the battlefield meant they were no longer useful and eventually they just no longer existed in their original form. Cumberland Sheepdog Next, lets move over just a bit to the northern regions of England where the Cumberland Sheepdog once reigned top-dog when it came to herding and managing livestock. This breed was popular during the nineteenth century when they helped numerous farmers keep their flocks safe, secure, and heading in the right direction. Of course, nothing good can last, and eventually, the popularity of the Cumberland fell with the arrival and rise of the Border Collie. Collies were skilled in the same areas but proved more versatile, healthier, and overall more resilient. By the twentieth century, the Cumberland was simply no more. Without any purebred individuals remaining, those who were left got consumed by other modern herding breeds until little was left but their work ethic and intelligence. Kuri The Polynesian Kuri was originally brought to the island of New Zealand by Maori peoples all the way back in the fourteenth century or so. Small and agile with short legs and bushy tails, these pooches were companions and served plenty of other roles from hunting to food sources. (Yep, you read that right) The Kuri began to see their numbers drop drastically after European settlers came onto the scene in the eighteenth century. They introduced new dog breeds who soon out-competed and out-bred them. Interbreeding and disease meant the breeds extinction by the mid-nineteenth century, with the last remaining examples, a mother and her pup, now on display in the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. St. John's Water Dog Another long-lost pup is the St. Johns Water Dog, or the Lesser Newfoundland, which is a big name for a big breed. Native to Newfoundland, they were known for their amazing swimming abilities. They partnered with plenty of fisherman to pull boats, retrieve nets, and even find lost gear that made its way overboard. The breed itself was popular during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. However, strict breeding regulations and crossbreeding with other water-retrieving breeds meant the St. Johns slowly faced extinction. By the early twentieth century, they were gone. Luckily their genetics live on in quite a few breeds we see today, including the Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever. Both owe their love of water and skill at swimming to the St. Johns! Bullenbeisser Lets head on over to Germany, where the Bullenbeisser took center stage during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. These big, burly dogs were used for bull-baiting and hunting large game. They were well known for the strength, tenacity, and fearlessness, which meant theyd never quit even when other dogs might have given up. So, with them being so popular, why did their line go extinct? It's mostly attributed to crossbreeding, with breeders trying to create a more even temperament. By the early twentieth century, the purebred Bullenbeisser was gone, but their legacy lives on in the modern-day Boxer! Alpine Mastiff The Alpine Mastiff came from, you guessed it, the Swiss Alps area and was remarkable for their strength and size. They were often used as guard dogs and on rescue missions in the snowy mountains. Their heavy coats, gentle demeanors, and epic tracking instincts let them find and stay with lost travelers until help arrived. Sadly, the Alpine Mastiff's numbers dwindled due to crossbreeding with other large breeds, such as the Saint Bernard and the English Mastiff. By the late 19th century, the purebred Alpine Mastiff had disappeared. If you have the mental image of one of those big dogs with the cask around its neck, you can thank the Alpine Mastiff for being the inspiration! Aneta Jungerova Salish Wool Dog Have you ever seen a dog sheared like a sheep? Meet the Salish Wool Dog! Originally from the Pacific Northwest, these small, white dogs had a pretty unique woolly coat that was sheared and spun into yarn for weaving blankets and clothing. They were incredibly important to the locals, especially during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The breed started to decline when European settlers came around in the late nineteenth century and introduced sheep and other sources of wool. This, along with interbreeding with other dog breeds, meant that the Salish Wool Dog went extinct by the early twentieth century. History Lives on in Today's Breeds It's a little sad to sit and think about these dogs who aren't with us anymore. But we should still appreciate their stories and the legacy they leave behind. So many of these pups left their mark on history in the form of breeds we know and love. Pups today might be totally different if they hadn't once existed! If you want to get involved in preserving the history of dog breeds, consider reaching out to breed conservation organizations or joining a local dog club. Together, we can help ensure he stories of these incredible dogs continue to be told for generations to come! comoncy Places for a Relaxing Meal in In Los Angeles Los Angeles can be a hectic place. Sure, its a fun place to sightsee and check out all the fun shops, but after a busy day, youll want to decompress at a relaxing cafe or deli and enjoy some comfort food. Luckily, there are plenty of great eateries specializing in just that across LA, and weve compiled a list of some of our favorites. Check out some of these places the next time youre hanging out in the city. Comoncy Comoncy You can order breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day at Comoncy, a modern cafe thats been delighting diners in both Los Angels and Arizona. Described as a cross between an espresso boutique and a European-style breakfast and lunch place, Comoncy uses fresh, local sustainable ingredients to make its delicious dishes. And you can purchase a Comoncy Start your day with their Eggs Benedict or Breakfast Burrito. Vegans can snack on their Sunrise Vegan Tacos or Vegan Avocado Toast, served with poppy seed bread, fresh avocado mash, oven roasted tomato, radish, and Maldon salt. Ready for lunch? Comoncy serves a nice selection of salads and sandwiches including a classy Cubano Sandwich served on a baguette with braised pork, pickles, garlic aioli, and mojo sauce. You can also sit back and relax with a nice cup of coffee, from classic freshly brewed drip coffee to a fancier cappuccino or macchiato. If you like a touch of elegance at your cafes, Comoncy is the place to come and unwind. We came for a quick brunch before a school event last Sunday. It was our sons idea to go to Comoncy and we were so glad we listened to him. Yelp Review Eastside Italian Deli Eastside Italian Deli If you like hanging out at neighborhood delis with a lot of history, come on down to the Eastside Italian Deli in Chinatown. Established in 1929 by the Pontrelli & Larrichia family, Eastside still sells and uses their original Maestro Italian Sausage in their sandwiches. Youll also find a host of other authentic Italian sandwiches here, from their spicy Italian Cold Cuts to their Caprese Sandwich to their mouth-watering Chicken Parmesan. You can purchase a Eastside Italian Deli Sandwiches are served both hot and cold and you can add specialty items like Green Castelvetrano olives, pepperoncini, and their special Cento Hot Hoagie Spread. Italian food lovers will also want to order their lasagna & pasta special and be sure to save some room for their amazing cannoli, tiramisu Italian cake, and Galletti Italian Cookies. Vegan? Eastside Italian Deli has a selection of vegan options, including a Veggie Sandwich, Eggplant Parmigiana & Cheese, and vegan Caprese Sandwich. Youll also be able to order from several salad dishes. Whether youre just stopping by for a quick sandwich or looking for a place to cater your next event (they offer a special sandwich and salad catering menu), Eastside has what it takes to please your tastebuds. Everytime in the downtown area I gotta come here either sandwiches, hot plates, and Tuesday or Thursday their famous lasagna. Yelp Review Plan Check Kitchen Plan Check Kitchen + Bar In the mood for some American comfort food? Plain Check Kitchen + Bar has been providing the Little Osaka neighborhood in west LA great meals and drinks since 2012. Order up some specialty hamburgers like the Chefs Favorite Burger, Plan Check Burger, or Truffle Burger. Their Short Rib Pot Roast also makes a hearty meal that will fill your belly while the baked crab offers something for seafood lovers. Plan Check Kitchen + Bar also provides an excellent selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as non-alcoholic options like coffee, tea, juices, and sodas. Find your favorite ales and craft beers here, along with some hard kombucha and cider. Happy Hour generally starts at 3pm and lasts until 6pm (check their website for exact times). Need more incentive? Plan Check Kitchen + Bar offers a dog-friendly patio and a great venue for your next private party. You can also have them cater your events by filling a form on their website. Plan Check is arguably the best burger spot on the West Side. They use a ketchup leather that Ive never seen before, and along with superb ingredients and a hefty burger, this place is on another level Yelp Review Momed Atwater Village Momed Atwater Village Momed stands for Modern Mediterranean, and since 2010, Momed Atwater Village has been living up to its name by providing customers with a new interpretation of the classic Mediterranean cuisine from the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa. Hang out in their classy patio space and order their amazing Momo Chips and Avocado Hummus. Or treat your tastebuds to some Fig and Arugula Flatbread. You can purchase a Momed Atwater Village Ready for the main course? Momed offers some great new twists on dishes you only thought you knew. Feast on their Lamb Burger or order some Duck Schwarma. Your entire party will love sharing the Greek meatballs and Manti (beef and lamb dumplings with garlic, yogurt, and fresh tomato sauce. Theres also a tasty Lobster Linguine and Vegetable Tajine with chickpea, kale, fresh harissa, piquillo peppers, herb yogurt, preserved lemon, and couscous. Whether youre looking for a place to enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner, Momed Atwater Village guarantees a unique and amazing experience. I saw Momed on the list of best restaurants in Atwater Village and it lives up to its hype! The vibes, the interior, the food and service were all amazing. I came here to celebrate a friends birthday and we were IMPRESSED and also so satisfied with all the delicious dishes. Yelp Review Say Cheese Say Cheese Love cheese? Then head out to Silver Lake where the Say Cheese cafe and cheese shop serves all your favorite cheese dishes. Naturally, youll find the classic tuna melt sandwich and cheese omelet here, but there are also plenty of more exotic choices, like the Donatello Sandwich served with mozzarella, Prosciuttio di Parma, tomato, and basil on ciabattini or the oven toasted Barcelona with jamon serrano and manchega cheese. You can purchase a Say Cheese Say Cheese also offers a brunch menu, salads, and plenty of your favorite coffee drinks (yes, you can enjoy your cheese with a macchiato or chai latte here). And if youre really serious about cheese, Say Cheese sells specialty cheeses from around the world. Try some of Spains Cabrales Pastor Cheese, Switzerlands Aged Appenzeller Cheese, and Frances Bucheron Cheese. You can even find Irish, Italian, and Greek cheese here, giving your palate quite the workout. Still want more? You can purchase fine chocolates and champagne here, letting you relax in style! I am so pleased to have found this wonderful gem of a spot. The cheese is a delight. The owner is very knowledgeable, but not elitist, and will answer any questions you have. Yelp Review Poppy + Rose Poppy + Rose Ready to taste some of the most gorgeous American and Southern-inspired comfort food youve ever seen? Poppy + Rose puts its own California twist on a nostalgic comfort kitchen. Taste fried chicken & waffles made with buttermilk-brined chicken and vanilla brown butter waffles. You can also order pulled pork hash, eggs benedict, and an entire pancake breakfast here, alongside cobb salads, avocado toast, and lox bagel sandwiches. You can purchase a Poppy + Rose Ready for more? Poppy + Roses biscuits are made from scratch every morning with real butter. Youll also be able to order breakfast classics like the Cobbler French Toast, Steak + Eggs, and breakfast burritos. Theres also a great selection of sandwiches for the brunch crowd. If youre looking to start your day off right, be sure to try Poppy + Rose! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their food and were talking about returning after. Yelp Review This article originally appeared on Giftya.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org. RoschetzkyIstockPhoto More from MediaFeed Ken Griffin, the founder and CEO of the hedge fund Citadel. Apu Gomes via Getty Images Ken Griffin has pledged $12 million to help stop a Florida bill that would legalize recreational weed. In a Miami Herald op-ed, Griffin wrote that the initiative would harm children and increase crime. The billionaire hedge-fund manager has this year expanded his company's presence in Florida. Ken Griffin is pouring millions of dollars into an effort to block recreational weed from becoming legalized in Florida. In a Friday op-ed for the Miami Herald, the billionaire founder of Citadel, a hedge fund, wrote that he had pledged $20 million to various Florida politicians and an effort to block Amendment 3 from being passed. The Herald clarified in a later article that $12 million would be pledged to defeat Amendment 3, with the rest of the funds going to local candidates. "Passage of Amendment 3 would create a monopoly for large marijuana dispensaries and permit pot use in public and private areas throughout Florida," Griffin, who lives in Miami, wrote. "That will help no one other than special interests and it will hurt us all, especially through more dangerous roads, a higher risk of addiction among our youth, and an increase in crime." Griffin wrote that "skyrocketing crime, suffering among children," and "a decline in the quality of life in Florida's vibrant neighborhoods" would be inevitable if Amendment 3 passed, citing similar initiatives in California, Colorado, and New York that he called "mistakes." A 2022 study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found the legalization of recreational marijuana was linked to an increase in traffic crashes and fatalities. However, research from the University of Colorado Boulder found that legalized recreational cannabis did not correlate with an increase in substance-use disorders or use of other drugs among adults and found no link to increases in cognitive, psychological, social, relationship, or financial problems. Meta-analyses comparing the results of multiple studies regarding the impact of marijuana legalization on crime rates are generally inconclusive. "With the best educational opportunities in the nation and a flourishing economy, Florida is a shining example of how good governance improves people's lives, and I am thankful to all Floridians for making this possible," Griffin said in a statement to Business Insider. He added: "I have lived the nightmare of misguided politicians in other states whose policies are destroying jobs, fostering crime, ravaging schools, and damaging communities. My dream is for all Floridians to continue to have even more opportunities, and I am committed to supporting policies and principles that will further elevate Florida as the greatest place to live, work, and raise a family in America." Griffin relocated Citadel from Chicago to Miami in 2022. This summer, he announced his intention to expand Citadel's office to include two more floors in its planned 55-story tower in the city. While he has been a prolific political donor for years spending hundreds of millions of dollars in support of various causes and candidates (largely Republican, according to the campaign-finance watchdog OpenSecrets) it appears with Citadel's relocation to Miami, Griffin is getting more closely involved in Florida-specific initiatives. Florida's Amendment 3 is sponsored by the political committee Smart & Safe Florida. Representatives for the organization did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but the group has, in posts on social media, rejected some of what Griffin said in his op-ed. "A major benefit of marijuana legalization? The DECREASE in teen usage. That's right," Smart & Safe Florida wrote in a Sunday post on X, linking to an article by U.S. News and World Report. "Study after study has found states that embraced legal regulation vs. prohibition experienced a drop in teenage marijuana usage and an increase in college enrollment." Polling released this week by Florida Phoenix indicated the measure would likely pass, with it receiving 64% voter support. Read the original article on Business Insider Bloomberg News dismissed a reporter and took disciplinary action against other staffers Monday after the outlet broke a news embargo last week on the release of several American prisoners held by Russia, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. In a memo sent to the outlets staff on Monday and obtained by CNN, Bloomberg editor-in-chief John Micklethwait wrote that an initial story, published by the outlet at 7:41 a.m. ET Thursday, reporting that Gershkovich had been released as part of a historic US-Russia prisoner exchange was posted prematurely. Bloombergs reporting could have endangered the negotiated swap that set them free, Micklethwait wrote. Even if our story mercifully ended up making no difference, it was a clear violation of the editorial standards which have made this newsroom so trusted around the world. Bloombergs Standards editor conducted a full investigation, Micklethwait added, and as a result the outlet was taking disciplinary action against a number of those involved and will be reviewing their process to make sure such failures like this dont happen again. Senior White House reporter Jennifer Jacobs, who was the lead author on the initial story, was dismissed as a result of the investigation, a person familiar with the matter said. In reporting the story about Evans release, I worked hand in hand with my editors to adhere to editorial standards and guidelines, Jacobs said in a statement Monday. At no time did I do anything that was knowingly inconsistent with the administrations embargo or that would put anyone involved at risk. A Bloomberg News spokesperson did not comment on Jacobs departure or disciplinary actions involving other personnel. Another Bloomberg staffer, an editor, posted on X on Thursday that it was one of the greatest honors of my career to help break the news of Gershkovichs release. The editor later deleted the post, and the published story was updated to note that the prisoners had not yet been released. An earlier version of this story was corrected to reflect that the Americans have not been released yet, an editors note added to the story at 8:59 a.m. ET stated. Micklethwait said he had personally written letters to apologize to each of the prisoners and that he immediately apologized on Thursday to Wall Street Journal editor-in-chief Emma Tucker. News organizations, including CNN, had agreed to hold on to news of the prisoners release so as not to endanger the process. According to a person familiar with The Wall Street Journals decision-making, the newspaper did not intend to publish a story on Gershkovichs release until he was seen walking free during a handover at Turkeys Ankara airport. Most news organization did not publish the news until later that morning. This was not about a broken embargo, a spokesperson for The Wall Street Journal told CNN. It was a report that Evan had been freed when in fact he had not yet been. Were happy that Bloomberg corrected it. Ahead of the prisoner swap, the White House had briefed reporters from multiple news organizations around 8 a.m. ET on the activity, with an embargo time on the news of later that day, according to a person familiar with the matter. After Bloombergs story was posted online, the White House called the outlet asking for the story to be removed as Gershkovich and other prisoners had not yet been freed, according to this person. Bloomberg declined to take the story down, which frustrated the White House. The historic prisoner swap, which also included former US Marine Paul Whelan and RFE/RL journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, was the result of years of complicated behind-the-scenes negotiations involving the US, Russia, Belarus and Germany. A total of eight people, including convicted Russian assassin Vadim Krasikov, were swapped back to Russia in exchange for the release of 16 people who were held in Russian detention, including four Americans. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com 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. Fresh off a newly minted Democratic ticket, Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, are set to go on tour, hitting several battleground states in five days -- alongside them and mirroring their schedule state by state is Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance. On Monday, Harris introduced Walz to a fired-up crowd in Philadelphia; Vance was also in Pennsylvania on Monday. The candidates will campaign next in Wisconsin and Michigan. Latest Developments Aug 7, 12:21 PM 22 Democratic governors, including Shapiro and Beshear, praise Harris' selection of Walz as VP Twenty-two Democratic governors are lauding the fact that their colleague, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, has joined the 2024 Democratic ticket. In a statement released on Wednesday, they stressed as a group of leaders -- which includes some they said were "elected in very challenging races in battleground and red states" -- that they were "thrilled" with Harris' selection. PHOTO: Vice President and 2024 Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and her running mate Minnesota Gorvernor Tim Walz speak at Temple University's Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 6, 2024. (Matthew Hatcher/AFP via Getty Images) The joint statement was notably signed by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who themselves were on the shortlist of potential Harris vice presidential picks. All three had submitted materials to the Democratic nominee's vetting team, though only Shapiro had traveled to Washington, D.C., on Sunday for an in-person interview with Harris. "As Americas Democratic governors, we represent a broad and diverse set of 23 states that make up more than half the U.S. population. Many of us were elected in very challenging races in battleground and red states. We make tough decisions as state executives every day, and know what it takes to win. We couldn't be more thrilled that Vice President Kamala Harris has selected Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, and will do everything in our power to ensure their success this November," the statement, first shared with ABC News, reads. "Overall, theres no doubt the Harris-Walz ticket is the perfect one-two punch to knock out the GOP's dangerous agenda and failure to deliver for the American people," the statement continues. Other governors who signed on to the letter include California's Gavin Newsom, Michigan's Gretchen Whitmer, Colorado's Jared Polis, Maryland's Wes Moore and North Carolina's Roy Cooper. Aug 7, 12:25 PM Vance targets Harris' 'policy choices' during Michigan stop GOP vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance delivered remarks following a briefing with the Shelby Township, Michigan, Police Department on Wednesday, where he went after Vice President Kamala Harris on her "policy choices." Vance's remarks at the event focused on supporting law enforcement and combating undocumented immigration. "We've got to throw Kamala Harris out of office, not give her a promotion, and that's what our law enforcement needs," he said. PHOTO: Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance speaks at a campaign event at Shelby Township Police Department, Aug. 7, 2024, in Shelby Township, Mich. (Alex Brandon/AP) When asked by reporters about how a Trump administration would actually deport undocumented immigrants (Trump has repeatedly vowed to deport millions of migrants), Vance gave no real plan on how that would happen but stated: "We are going to deport people now." Vance also took aim at his Democratic VP opponent, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a retired National Guardsman, questioning his military service while providing no facts to back up his claim. Vance also called out Walz for his comment during Tuesday's rally in Philadelphia, where the governor called out the senator's Ivy League education and support from tech billionaires. "And if he wants to criticize me for getting an Ivy League education, I'm proud of the fact that my mama supported me, that I was able to make something of myself," Vance said. Vance was again asked his thoughts about Trump falsely questioning Harris' racial identity. Vance said he viewed Trump's attack on the vice president as her being "a chameleon." "I think he was observing the basic foundational reality that Kamala Harris pretends to be something different depending on which audience she's speaking to, the senator said. -ABC News' Hannah Demissie Aug 7, 9:32 AM Trump says he 'could not be more thrilled' about Walz as Harris' VP pick Former President Donald Trump said he "couldn't believe" Vice President Kamala Harris picked Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, adding he "could not be more thrilled," when he called into Fox and Friends Wednesday morning. "I would say my reaction is, I can't believe it. I never thought this was going to be the one that was picked," Trump said. "He's a very, very liberal man, and he's a shocking pick, and I'm thrilled. I could not be more thrilled." Asked if his campaign thought Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro was going to be the VP pick, Trump said he thought Shapiro would've been a better choice. "I would have said it would have been a better choice," Trump said of Shapiro. "I would have said others were the better, better choice." -ABC News' Lalee Ibssa, Kelsey Walsh and Soorin Kim Aug 7, 5:00 AM Harris and Walz to hold rallies in Wisconsin, Michigan Wednesday Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz are scheduled Wednesday to hold rallies in Wisconsin and Michigan, bringing their "vision for the future" to two battleground states on their first full day of campaigning together. "Together, they will highlight the choice facing Blue Wall voters between the Trump-Vance agenda to weaken unions and give tax cuts to the wealthy on the backs of the middle class, and the Harris-Walz vision for the future, where everyone has the opportunity not just to get by, but to get ahead," the Harris campaign said. PHOTO: Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and her newly chosen vice presidential running mate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz react as they hold a campaign rally in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., August 6, 2024. (Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters) At their midday stop in Wisconsin, the pair will be joined by Gov. Tony Evers and Sen. Tammy Baldwin. The pair will then travel to Wayne County Airport in Michigan for an evening rally, the campaign said. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan will join them, the campaign said. "Their visits come on the heels of over a dozen labor endorsements, including last week's endorsement from UAW -- which represents more than 130,000 members in Michigan alone," the campaign said. -ABC News' Gabriella Abdul-Hakim, Fritz Farrow and Will McDuffie Aug 6, 7:42 PM JD Vance cancels North Carolina rallies due to Tropical Storm Debby Sen. JD Vance will not be making appearances in North Carolina Thursday, due to the forecast of Tropical Storm Debby in the state, the Trump-Vance campaign said in a statement Tuesday. Vance had two scheduled rallies in Raleigh and Oakboro. "The Trump-Vance campaign will be rescheduling these events in North Carolina as soon as possible," the campaign said. Aug 6, 7:20 PM Harris-Walz campaign says it raised over $20 million since running mate announcement Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's campaign announcement has proven to be a fundraising success, according to a statement from the campaign Tuesday. PHOTO: Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Democratic vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz greet supporters during a campaign event at Girard College on Aug. 6, 2024 in Philadelphia. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) The Harris-Walz campaign says it has raised more than $20 million since this morning's announcement of Walz joining Harris on the Democratic ticket in November. Aug 6, 7:00 PM Walz says he 'can't wait' to debate JD Vance: 'These guys are creepy' Gov. Walz came out hard against former President Donald Trump and his running mate Sen. JD Vance during his first campaign rally speech as Harris' vice presidential pick. "Donald Trumps not fighting for you or your family," Walz said. He never sat at that kitchen table, like the one I grew up at, wondering how we were going to pay the bills. He sat at his country club in Mar a Lago wondering how he can cut taxes for his rich friends," Walz added. PHOTO: Vice President and 2024 Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and her running mate Minnesota Gorvernor Tim Walz arrive to speak at Temple University's Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Aug. 6, 2024. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images) Turning his attention to Vance, Walz said, "His running mate shares his dangerous and backward agenda for this country." "I got to tell you, I can't wait to debate the guy," Walz continued, quipping, "That is, if he's willing to get off the couch and show up." Calling out the Republican ticket, Walz added, "These guys are creepy. And yeah, it's just weird as hell." Aug 6, 6:41 PM Harris and Walz are officially the Democratic nominees: DNC As Harris and Walz took the stage in Philadelphia, the Democratic National Committee announced they are officially the Democratic nominees for president and vice president. "Vice President Harris and Governor Tim Walz officially accepted the nominations today, following the close of delegate voting on Monday, August 5th and the official certification of the roll call by Convention Secretary Jason Rae. Convention Chair Minyon Moore then certified Governor Walz as her running mate," according to the statement from DNC Chair Jaime Harrison and DNCC Chair Minyon Moore. Harris addressed the nomination at the campaign rally, saying, "I stand before you today to proudly announce I am now, officially, the Democratic nominee for president of the United States." Aug 6, 6:34 PM Harris praises Walz's background in politics and teaching: 'Our values are the same' During their first joint campaign rally, Vice President Kamala Harris introduced her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and touted his progressive record as state governor, his background as a high school teacher and football coach and a U.S. military sergeant. "Since the day that I announced my candidacy, I set out to find a partner who can help build this brighter future. A leader who will help unite our nation and move us forward. A fighter for the middle class. A patriot who believes as I do in the extraordinary promise of America," Harris of her search for a VP pick. PHOTO: Kamala Harris And Running Mate Tim Walz Make First Appearance Together In Philadelphia (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) "Tim is more than a governor. To his wife, Gwen, he is a husband. To his kids, Hope and Gus, he is a dad. To his fellow veterans, he is Sgt. Major Walz, to the people of Southern Minnesota for 12 years, he was congressman. To his former high school students, he was Mr. Walz. And to his former high school football players, he was coach," Harris said. "Coach Walz and I may hail from different corners of this great country," Harris continued, "But our values are the same." Aug 6, 6:08 PM Harris and Walz take the stage in Philadelphia in 1st joint campaign rally Vice President Kamala Harris and her newly announced running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, were met with loud applause and cheers in Philadelphia as they made their first joint appearance. PHOTO: Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and her pick for Vice President, Gov. Tim Walz, appear at a rally in Philadelphia on Aug. 6, 2024. (Pool via AP) That massive crowd gave Harris and Walz a long standing ovation as they took the stage to the song "Freedom" by Beyonce. Click here to read the rest of the blog. By Zaheer Kachwala (Reuters) - Billionaire Elon Musk revived a lawsuit against ChatGPT maker OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman on Monday, saying that the firm put profits and commercial interests ahead of the public good. The lawsuit marks Musk's latest attempt to oppose the startup he co-founded in 2015 and left three years later. Since his exit, OpenAI has gone on to become the face of generative AI, while Musk started another rival startup, xAI, last year that was valued at $24 billion in May. The latest lawsuit seeks a judicial determination that OpenAI's license to Microsoft to use its AI models is null and void. Musk also contends that the language models are outside the scope of OpenAI's partnership with Microsoft. Filed in the Court for the Northern District of California, the suit is similar to the one Musk filed in February before withdrawing it in June without any explanation just a day before a judge was set to hear OpenAI's bid to dismiss the lawsuit. A favorable decision could help Musk unwind what has been a lucrative partnership between OpenAI and Microsoft, which has invested $13 billion in the startup in exchange for AI technology that it is now deploying across its services. The tie-up has made Microsoft a frontrunner in the fast-moving race with Google for generative AI dominance, but it is also under the scrutiny of regulators. The latest lawsuit alleges once OpenAI's technology started to transform genAI, Altman "flipped the narrative and proceeded to cash in." "OpenAI and Microsoft stand to make a fortune selling this technology to the public, which would not be possible if the non-profit made its research and technology freely available, as Altman had repeatedly promised Musk," the lawsuit said. While OpenAI's parent is a nonprofit, Microsoft has invested the $13 billion in a for-profit subsidiary of the firm that was created in 2019 to help fund AI research and development. Musk did not immediately respond to a request for comment, while OpenAI referred Reuters to its original response to Musk back in March. OpenAI in March rebutted Musk's claims by unveiling emails that showed the Tesla chief supported plans to create a for-profit-entity and a merger that would make it Tesla's "cash cow." After OpenAI's release of ChatGPT at the end of 2022 took the world by storm, Altman became one of the most influential people in the world, culminating in his ousting and return to the company in November. (Reporting by Zaheer Kachwala in Bengaluru; Editing by Tasim Zahid and Shinjini Ganguli) BOSTON - A Delta Air Lines flight from Boston to Rome was forced to turn around and head back to Logan Airport Sunday evening because of a lightning strike, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said. Delta Flight 112 Delta flight 112 left Boston around 6:10 p.m. and was due to land in Rome at 8:15 a.m. Monday, local time. According to flight tracker FlightAware, the jet was about an hour into the flight over the Atlantic Ocean when it turned around and landed back at Logan at 7:20 p.m. The FAA told WBZ-TV the crew of the Airbus A330 "reported a lightning strike following departure." Delta flight "encountering lightning" Delta would only say the jet turned around after "encountering lightning." "Delta flight 112 operating from Boston to Rome returned to BOS out of an abundance of caution after encountering lightning," Delta spokesperson Emma Johnson told WBZ in a statement. "The flight landed safely and without further incident. We are working to get our customers to their final destination as quickly as possible, and we apologize for the delay in their travel. The safety of our customers and people remains Delta's most important priority." There were 216 people on board the flight, including the crew. The FAA said it will investigate the incident. "FAA regulations require that commercial aircraft be designed to withstand lightning strikes," the agency said in a statement. Logan Airport storms Storms on the East Coast caused other air traffic issues Sunday. Several flights headed to New York City were diverted to Boston. Some passengers told WBZ-TV they sat on the tarmac at Logan Airport for hours because too many planes were coming in. Others were forced to spend the night in Boston after being diverted. The bad weather also delayed and canceled hundreds of flights at Logan. Harry and Meghan on the dangers of online harm The "Olympics of hula" The journey of rapper-turned-country singer Jelly Roll A Louisville militia member declared on a chat group "it is time for good men to do bad things," before taking part in the Jan. 6, 2021 breach of the U.S. Capitol building. Federal prosecutors will argue during a sentencing hearing later this month that it is time for the 47-year-old Daniel Edwin Wilson, who pleaded guilty to felony charges earlier this year, to go to prison. Wilson's attorney, Norman Pettis, of New Haven, Connecticut, did not return calls last week and Thursday, but his paralegal said the defense attorney had no comment. Wilson is among more than 1,300 rioters from nearly every U.S. state, have been charged with crimes related to the breach. did not return calls seeking comment last week. Wilson pleaded guilty May 20 to conspiracy to impede or injure an officer and illegally possessing a gun and failing to register the gun, court records show. He agreed with several details about his involvement, including that in late November 2020, he joined the Telegram messenger chat organized by others who would eventually storm the Capitol, called the "Coalition of the Unknown," according to court records. Wilson went by the moniker "Live Wire." Their chats were encrypted but later accessed by agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. When another man commented about mounting the insurrection," Wilson responded: "Ooh Rah. Curb stomp crew all in!!!" Wilson said he was ready to coordinate with others and noted: "I am a gray ghost ranger," referring to the Gray Ghost Militia, according to the statement of offense document Wilson did not dispute. A month before the breach, Wilson commented in the messenger group: "Some of us in here are extremely active patriots, so if you want to start getting boots on the ground, reach out [and] we do the damn thing." During a chat about whether to carry weapons, Wilson commented: "If we're going to go in and take over the world: Guns up. If we're just trying to put on a show, leave them at home." Wilson said he would wear his plate, referring to a bullet-resistant armor, under his clothes and he would have a gun. Others in the group talked about bringing batons and knives and one man said they didn't feel comfortable taking a gun, reasoning: "Looks bad firing in a crowd," according to prosecutors. Wilson implied he and others went to the Capitol on two dry runs to observe the layout and test the thoroughness of security screenings. "I have to admit, I carried my expandable baton both times I've been there. I understand it's against the rules," Wilson said, referring to a weapon typically carried by police. "I haven't had a problem yet. "Hard knuckle gloves are a must," said Wilson, referring to military or police tactical gear that can be used as a weapon. Wilson later posted a link to an open letter from a group of Trump supporters entitled: "Open Letter to President Trump: You Must Use Insurrection Act to 'Stop the Steal' and Defeat the Coup, referring to an election they claim Trump won, contesting the Electoral College counts. On Christmas Eve 2020, Wilson said he didn't think it was prudent to carry weapons Jan. 6. "But, if they seat, biden on the 20th, all bets are off." Wilson wrote. "Even if Trump wins, we have to get this government under control." Wilson said he had been debating: "If we go to a Civil War, do we try to take Washington DC first or do we take state capitals first." After the group realized Congress wasn't going to deny Biden's victory and ask the U.S. Supreme Court to investigate voter fraud, Wilson wrote: "I'm ready to lay my life on the line. "It is time for good men to do bad things." On December 27, 2020, Wilson wrote in another chat group planning the insurrection: "follow me and I will show you a symphony of destruction." Wilson drove to Washington, D.C. on Jan. 5, 2020, with David Scott Kuntz, of Elizabeth, Indiana, and agents alleged both planned to help block the certification of the Electoral College vote. After listening to a speech by Trump, the men headed to the Capitol. Wilson climbed to an area above the inaugural stage and stood on a set of bleachers that had been constructed on the Upper West Terrace, overlooking the inaugural state and West Plaza. Wilson, who was wearing a gas mask, entered the Capitol through the upper West Terrace door just after 2:30 p.m. Wilson traveled to the rotunda and Statuary Hall before leaving the building at 2:49 p.m. Prosecutors say Kuntz also entered the Upper West Terrace at 2:22 p.m. from the northeast side and was in the area when rioters breached the parliamentarian door, shouting: "F--- the police!" Police arrested Wilson in May 2023 and Kuntz this March on charges related to the breach. A federal grand jury in Washington returned another indictment charging Wilson and Kuntz with conspiring together and with others to corruptly obstruct, influence and impede Congress on Jan. 6, 2021. Wilson and Kuntz identify as "Three Percenters" and members of the "Gray Ghost Partisan Kentucky Rangers," a Three Percenter militia, according to a news release by U.S. Justice Department officials. The second indictment charges Kuntz with helping create the encrypted messaging app and Kuntz and Wilson with joining others to use the app to rally and coordinate the Jan. 6 run on the Capitol. Kuntz pleaded not guilty to federal charges and is awaiting trial. His attorney, William Lee Shipley, Jr., of Kailua, Hawaii, could not be reached for comment. A U.S. District Court judge in Washington is scheduled to sentence Wilson on Aug. 22. As part of his plea agreement, Wilson expects to get time shaved off his sentence for accepting responsibility for his crimes. However, he first must truthfully answer questions from investigators and grant agents access to his social media accounts. Prosecutors agreed not to charge him with new offenses if evidence of more crimes surfaced during these queries, but they stipulated they would proceed with charges if they discover he is linked to any violence. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville militia member helped plan Jan. 6 insurrection at Capitol Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reportedly described former President Trump as a terrible human being, calling him the worse president ever in a recent text exchange reported by The New Yorker on Monday. In a recent text exchange, Kennedy told one person that Trump was a terrible human being. The worse president ever and barely human. He is probably a sociopath,' The New Yorkers Clare Malone wrote in a profile of Kennedy published Monday. Kennedy, though, said President Biden was more dangerous to the Republic and the planet than Trump. Trump and Kennedy had a phone call meeting ahead of last months Republican National Convention, where the former president was officially named the Republican Partys presidential nominee. In a leaked video of the call, Trump was heard on speakerphone saying he agrees with some of Kennedys stances on vaccines. Trump could also be heard saying he would love for the long-shot candidate to do something, adding it would be so good for Kennedy. Trump also told him were going to win, according to the footage. Kennedy apologized for the leak of the call shortly after it was posted online. Amaryllis Fox, Kennedys campaign director and daughter-in-law, told The New Yorker that Trump and his team asked Kennedy, Is there something that you want to do? Fox said Kennedy is not opposed to serving in the Trump administration, mentioning the possibility of leading the Department of Health and Human Services as an incredibly interesting role. Kennedy, who switched from running as a Democrat to independent last fall, would also be open to serving in Vice President Harriss administration should she be elected in November. Kennedy has struggled to gain significant ground in the 2024 election. A polling index by Decision Desk HQ shows the environmental lawyer with 4.2 percent of the vote, while Harris sits at 45.9 percent and Trump is at 44.4 percent. Kennedy acknowledged his low odds of becoming president when speaking with The New Yorker. I think I was always conscious that it was kind of a dangerous thing to make that [the presidency] my ambition, he told the magazine. I always had at least a part of me that recognized the implausibility of ever achieving that. He later suggested Trumps 2016 election win altered how he thought of his own political future, since the former president, like himself, had skeletons in his closet, Malone wrote. I think that it enlarged the notions of whats possible, Kennedy reportedly said. The Hill reached out to Trump and Kennedys campaigns for further 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. 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. 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. Two boaters were rescued after their vessel lost its sail off the coast of southwest Florida as Debby, then a tropical storm, approached the state's Big Bend region. The two boaters were sailing from Key West to Tarpon Springs when their "34-foot sailing vessel lost its sail 73 miles off Boca Grande" and left them stranded, the U.S. Coast Guard said in a news release Sunday. A friend of the boaters contacted Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg around 5 p.m. Saturday, reporting they missed their check-in. Rescue crews with multiple agencies were deployed and the two boaters and their vessel were located around 11 a.m. the next morning. A spokesperson for Coast Guard Detachment Tampa Bay told USA TODAY Monday that after crews were alerted of the missing boaters Saturday, they continued to monitor the situation and a NOAA aircrew was able to establish radio communication with the boaters, who reported they were adrift, around 9 a.m. Sunday. They were then airlifted via helicopter at approximately 1:30 p.m. and transported to Air Station Clearwater, where they landed back around 2 p.m., the spokesperson said. Watch the rescue: The rescue was conducted amid harsh weather conditions with strong winds of 50-knot and low visibility, according to a video shared by the U.S.C.G of the rescue. No injuries were reported, and the Coast Guard strongly urged mariners to file a float plan before taking their boat out on the water. Some of the most important factors in any search and rescue case is accurate information and safety equipment," search and rescue mission coordinator at Coast Guard District Seven Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Hooper said in a statement. "We received an updated satellite position from the boaters friend, which led to them being successfully located. This rescue was a collaborative effort between District Seven and Sector St. Petersburg while Tropical Storm Debby crossed the region. Hurrican Debby hits Florida Hurricane Debby roared ashore Monday along the Big Bend coast of Florida as a potent Category 1 storm, one that could bring catastrophic flooding to the Southeast as the sprawling system slows and unleashes drenching rain across several states. Debby, the fourth named storm of what is expected to be a historic hurricane season, made landfall Monday at 7 a.m. near the coastal town of Steinhatchee with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. Debby is projected to move slowly across northern Florida before unleashing "potentially historic heavy rainfall" up to 20 inches across southeast Georgia and parts of South Carolina. The National Hurricane Center warned of a "major flood threat" in the Southeast. "There is a danger of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline," the center said. Contributing: Susan Miller, John Bacon, Dinah Voyles Pulver, William L. Hatfield, Christopher Cann, USA TODAY Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2 stranded boaters rescued off Boca Grande, Florida amid Debby: Watch New details have emerged about Zac Efron's swimming pool accident. (Aude Guerrucci/Reuters) (REUTERS / Reuters) Zac Efron says hes healthy after a swimming pool incident in Spain left him hospitalized and now more details have emerged about what went down. What happened? The Family Affair star, 36, was at a villa in Ibiza on Aug. 2 when he had a minor swimming incident and was hospitalized overnight for precautionary measures, his spokesperson told People. He was released the morning of Aug. 3 with his rep saying, He is fine." TMZ, the first outlet to report the hospitalization, said the actor was found inside the swimming pool by two people working at the villa who pulled him out of the water. Efrons rep declined to provide further details to the outlet on what led to the incident. Amid continued speculation, the same two outlets reported on Aug. 5 and 6 that the accident stemmed from Efron, who was swimming with friends, diving too deeply into the pool. Unidentified sources said his chest hit the bottom of the pool and he ingested lots of water into his lungs. Security at the villa pulled him out of the pool after he showed signs of distress. Efron was said to have been dazed momentarily as it played out, so he was taken to the hospital to get checked out. He had X-rays on his chest to make sure there was no water in his lungs and he was medically cleared within hours. He didn't leave the hospital immediately, however, because he was trying to evade paparazzi outside. A rep for Efron has not yet responded to Yahoos request for comment. What has Efron said? On Aug. 4, the High School Musical alum used Instagram to thank those expressing well wishes amid his hospitalization. He shared a workout photo of himself, shirtless and lifting weights atop an exercise ball, and also wrote that he is happy and healthy on his Instagram Stories. Efron shared a photo of himself after his hospitalization. (Zac Efron via Instagram) His friend Caleb Davidge also shared an image of them together. (Caleb Davidge via Instagram) What else do we know? Efron who has had a busy year, also including the films Ricky Stanicky and The Iron Claw has been vacationing in Europe. Leading up to his swimming incident, he appeared onstage with DJ Martin Garrix at his performance at the Ushuaia Ibiza Hotel and Beach Club. A TikTok video showed Efron dancing along as the audience cheered. Its been 10 years since Efron was hospitalized after another accident: In November 2013, he was running through his house in socks and slipped. He hit his face on a granite fountain, shattering his jaw, and was knocked unconscious. Efron opened up about the 2013 accident to Mens Health in 2022, saying when he came to, his chinbone was hanging off his face. Efron said he looks different because in the aftermath of the injury, other facial muscles had to compensate for the muscles that were still recovering. In June, amid the release of A Family Affair on Netflix, there was online chatter about Efrons appearance. Pointing to that film as well as his massive transformation to play a wrestler in The Iron Claw, people speculated online that he had undergone plastic surgery on his jaw. Efron told the Hollywood Reporter in December, when The Iron Claw was released, that his physical transformation for that film was jarring, even to him. In the best way possible, I did not look anything like me, he said. However, hes also said that what the internet thinks of him and his appearance isnt something he pays that much mind to. If I valued what other people thought of me to the extent that they may think I do, I definitely wouldnt be able to do this work, he told Mens Health in 2022. Updated, Aug. 6, 2024, 9:56 a.m.:This story was originally published on Aug. 5 and has been updated to include new details about Efron's accident. Robotics technician: Emerging profession boosting efficiency of industries 13:34, August 05, 2024 By Hong Qiuting ( People's Daily At a demonstration area of robot applications of Guangdong Cuifeng Robotics Technology Co., Ltd. in south China's Guangdong province, Zhuang Yongchun was standing in front of a row of spinning robotic arms. After he made a few taps on a teach pendant, these robotic arms moved accordingly. Zhuang carefully inspected whether the gripping and rotating actions of the robotic arms were accurate and smoothly transitioned. "It's not easy to make robots screw in screws and fetch screws from a box using their mechanical arms smoothly," said Zhuang, who's a robotics technician. "Our profession has emerged as a result of the rise of intelligent manufacturing." Photo shows robotic arms designed by Zhuang Yongchun and his team. (Photo provided by Zhuang Yongchun) In simple terms, Zhuang's daily work involves the development and application of industrial robots. He is primarily responsible for providing industrial robots to companies with specific needs and designing robot production lines for factories undergoing industrial automation upgrades. A factory that produces medical sheet metal parts hoped to upgrade its production line for automation. Upon learning the news, Zhuang visited the factory. "First, we need to assess the condition of the press brake and determine if it is compatible with our equipment. We also need to evaluate the bending bed and molds to ensure they meet the production requirements," Zhuang added. After noting down the key technical specifications, Zhuang returned to his office and discussed with colleagues, designing solutions, simulating movements, and conducting 3D design. "After multiple rounds of discussions and approval of the plan, we signed an agreement, and once the customer places the purchase order, we would start with drawing, procurement, assembly, and conduct action, signal, and hardware testing," Zhuang said. He added that the automation upgrade of a production line, from design to installation of 10 robotic arms, for example, can be successfully put into production in 5-10 days. "For the factory, using robots can save labor costs. Previously, it required two or more people for bending, but now only one bending robot is needed," Zhuang told People's Daily, adding that this significantly improves production efficiency. In fact, bending technique is closely related to people's daily lives. Televisions, refrigerators, computer cases, vending machines, data center servers, and many other electrical products on the market rely on the technique. Previously, during his visits to enterprises along the industrial chain, Zhuang discovered that many factories in Dongguan, Guangdong province were employing the bending technique. Before the development of bending robots, products had to be manually produced, which often resulted in deviations and the production of defective goods. Zhuang Yongchun debugs a robotic arm. (Photo provided by Zhuang Yongchun) "Can we develop a robot to alleviate the burden on workers and improve efficiency?" This question lingered in the mind of Zhuang and his team. The challenge with bending robots lies in keeping sheet metal products securely attached to the robot's suction cups while the robot performs bending actions. "At that time, no one in the world had tackled this challenge," Zhuang said. Zhuang diligently studied various comprehensive technologies related to robots, such as machine programming, circuits, machine tools, and engineering design. He continuously updated his knowledge system and devoted himself to the research and development of robot projects. "After a year of efforts, we finally developed a bending robot and introduced this technology to the sheet metal industry nationwide, promoting the industry's transition towards intelligent manufacturing," Zhuang said. So far, this robot has been employed by more than 60 companies from over 10 provinces and municipalities, according to him. While working on projects, Zhuang has also focused on talent training. He said that over the years, he has trained hundreds of robotics technicians, who are now working in various manufacturing companies and operating various production line robots. "As the industry continues to develop, technology is constantly advancing, and we must keep pace with the times and make continuous progress," Zhuang said. He hopes that while China works to make its industries intelligent, more people will take on the jobs of robotics technician and other emerging professions. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) by Sumon Corraya This morning Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left the country aboard a military helicopter after protests broke out again. Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman addressed the nation announcing that he had held talks with several political parties. Dhaka (AsiaNews) The government of Bangladesh has fallen. This morning Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country aboard a military helicopter together with her sister Sheikh Rehana overwhelmed by fresh anti-government protests. Sheikh Hasina has stepped down as Prime Minister of Bangladesh, said Chief of Army Staff, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, announcing the news. We are now entering a period of political transition. An interim government will be formed, and all murders will be judged. Trust in the army as we navigate this change. We have held meetings with leaders from various political parties, he explained. At least 90 more people were killed yesterday in clashes between police and demonstrators, bringing the death toll to over 300 since early July, when young university students took to the streets for the first time to protest against the quota system in public employment. These are the most violent demonstrations in the country since it became independent in 1971. General Zaman urged people to maintain peace and order, calling on the nation to Trust me. Lets work together. Please stop fighting and avoid conflict. Together, we have built a beautiful country." In response to journalists' questions, General Zaman confirmed that he had met with the leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the Jatiya Party, and the Jamaat-e-Islami, an Islamist party that Hasina had blamed for the violence and tried to ban. The meeting was also attended by prominent figures such as Dhaka University professor Afis Nazrul and leftist leader Jonaid Saki. General Zaman said that further talks will be held on forming a provisional government in Bangabhaban, the official residence of the president of Bangladesh, a position currently held by Mohammed Shahabuddin, appointed in 2023 by the Awami League, Sheikh Hasina's party. Thousands of people gathered in celebration. General Zaman again urged the students to remain calm during this transition. Some in the street declared: "We want the murderer Sheikh Hasina to be tried for killing hundreds of students." This morning a crowd of protesters stormed the Prime Ministers Residence in the capital Dhaka, the epicentre of the protests since the start. According to local sources, Hasina did not have time to address the country before leaving, presumably for India. Several commentators have pointed out that the events of the last month marked a point of no return for Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina had been in power since 2009 and her government had become increasingly authoritarian. She was elected once again as prime minister last January, but the election was boycotted by the opposition, represented by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), whose leader, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has been under arrest since 2018 on corruption charges. Today's headlines: Israel is on maximum alert for an expected attack from Iran and its allies in response to Haniyehs killing. China hits an historic low in the number of marriages in the first six months of 2024. At the Torkham border crossing, Pakistan denies entry to Afghan drivers without passport or visa. Thailand draws up a ten-year plan in response to healthcare crisis. BANGLADESH Student protesters intend to march in Dhaka streets, defying a countrywide curfew imposed by the government, in order to force Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign. Yesterday heavy clashes pitted police against protesters across the country, bringing the death toll to at least 300. Tanks and army troops patrol the capital. ISRAEL GAZA TURKEY Israel is currently on maximum alert waiting for three days of missiles from Iran and allied militias, expected to start tonight or tomorrow, in response to the killing last week of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Meanwhile, Palestinian sources report at least 30 dead in a yesterdays attack on a school in Gaza. Like many Western countries, Turkey urged its citizens to leave Lebanon ahead of a possible war with the Jewish state. CHINA The number of Chinese couples who got married in the first half of 2024 fell to its lowest level since 2013, as a growing number of young people postpone their nuptials due to the slowing economy and the rising cost of living. A total of 3.43 million couples got married in the first six months of the year, down by 498,000 over 2023. The number of marriages is closely tied to the number of births. AFGHANISTAN PAKISTAN Pakistani authorities have banned Afghan drivers from using the Torkham border crossing a critical route for trade if they do not have passports and visas, which many Afghans do no have. This decision came after Pakistan accused the Taliban of allowing militants to stage attacks across the border. THAILAND Tomorrow, the Thai government will present a 10-year strategic plan to increase the number of healthcare workers in the country following a proposal by the Ministry of Health to address the shortage of professionals. According to Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, the ministry aims to increase the number of graduate doctors, nurses, pharmacists, traditional Thai medicine practitioners, and public health workers. RUSSIA Russias Prosecutor Generals Office has designated four more NGOs as "undesirable entities, including the Russia Behind Bars foundation, established to help political prisoners, reported Russia Behind Bars founder Olga Romanova on her Telegram channel. The measure follows accusations that the four NGOs spread information demonising Russia. JAPAN CENTRAL ASIA Japan has decided to finance the transport corridor to Europe through Central Asia, bypassing Russia. The proposal will be presented by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in early September at a meeting with the leaders of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan. Before that, the Japanese leader is set to visit Tashkent, Astana, and Ulan-Baatar from 9 to 12 August. by Joseph Masilamany Human rights groups have not released information on the identity of the man executed for drug trafficking. Since March 2023, 16 people have been hanged while another 50 people are on death row. Pope Francis, who will visit the city-state from 11 to 13 September, has repeatedly spoken out against the death penalty. Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews) Singapores second death sentence of 2024 was carried out at dawn last Friday in Changi prison. Human rights groups, who usually publicly oppose the death penalty, declined to comment this execution, which took place by hanging, and avoided providing further details on the identity of the condemned man after the family requested privacy. According to Singapores Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), the prisoner, a 45-year-old Singaporean, was given due process as required by law. He was convicted in February 2019 of possessing 36.93 grams of heroin all his appeals and requests for clemency were rejected. In fact, under local law, possession of 15 grams of heroin, 30 grams of cocaine, 250 grams of methamphetamine, or 500 grams of cannabis are enough to be sentenced to death. At present, 50 people are on death row in the city-state, including three for murder, and 10 are Malaysians. For years, the Singapore government has been the subject of criticism after it resumed executing people convicted for non-violent drug-related offences that in countries like the United Kingdom or the United States carry mild sentences. Pope Francis, who will visit Singapore from 11 to 13 September during his trip to Southeast Asia and Oceania, has repeatedly spoken about the matter. After a pause due to the pandemic, 16 death sentences were carried out since March last year, a practice, according to polls, supported by the local population who consider it an effective method to reduce drug trafficking. Since March 2023, most prisoners executed in Singapore were from Indian and Malay minority communities, said Kirsten Han, a journalist and member of the Singapore-based Transformative Justice Collective (TJC) last year. Most of the death row prisoners whose cases Ive encountered are on the lower rungs of drug syndicates. Most are [members of] ethnic minorities from working-class backgrounds. Some are, or were, themselves long-time drug users, and did not receive adequate support to recover. Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam has reiterated that Singapore will not bow to international pressure to abolish the death penalty, stating that drug traffickers are aware of the severe consequences provided for by local law. In 1990, we were arresting about 6,000 drug abusers a year, and now we are arresting about 3,000, which is half of that, even though there has been an increase in the population," he noted. Two death sentences carried out in 2022 have been strongly criticised: In July, Kalwant Singh, 39, convicted of drug trafficking in Malaysia nine years earlier, was hanged. In April, Nagaenthran K Dharmalingam, 33, a disabled man probably involved by others in heroin trafficking, met the same fate. by Vladimir Rozanskij The prisoner swap brought back memory of Navalnys fate, sparking outrage at the parallel drawn between the innocent versus the guilty, the spies and the murderers. Pavel Kushnir recently died in prison of the consequences of hunger strike. Last weeks exchange was different from those of the 1970s. Critics label Russia a "rogue state". Kara-Murza pledges to return. Moscow (AsiaNews) The prisoner exchange between Russia, the United States, and Germany has caused great emotion since the release of the better known dissidents is tinged with sadness since the late Alexei Navalny was not among them. At the same time, it has provoked considerable outrage for putting on the same level the innocent and the guilty, political prisoners and spies and assassins, such as Vladimir Putin's great friend, the FSB hitman Vadim Krasikov. What is more, while the heroes of Russias political opposition to Putins dictatorship landed in Ankara, Turkey, before travelling to their final destination, another Russian anti-war activist, 38-year-old pianist Pavel Kushnir, died in prison from the consequences of hunger strike. Olga Romanova, founder of the Russia behind bars NGO, gave the news, noting that more than 800 political prisoners are still languishing in Russian detention centres. While their names are not as famous as those of the freed dissidents, they certainly cannot be forgotten. And although hailed as a great diplomatic success, given who was involved, the swap gives no reason to rejoice. In the 1970s, dissidents were exchanged for revolutionaries, political activists for political operatives, not martyrs for criminals. As several commentators pointed out, including political scientist Marina Litvinovich, with this operation, Russia has "definitively established itself as a rogue state, unashamed to expel great people in exchange for monsters. Putin has shown that the basic principle of his politics are rooted in the KGB school, whereby "we do not abandon one of our own. By embracing Krasikov he hinted at who could lead Russia in his place; no other politician in his circle of power enjoys such affection and closeness. To free the twice convicted murderer, the Russian president did not even care that the swap legitimises the status of "political prisoners" of those jailed in Russia on extremism charges. This could give more hope to the many who are still behind bars, who do not have to fear of politicising their status. Among observers, opinion is spreading that the president accepted the exchange to show his willingness to negotiate with the West to end the war, or at least to freeze the conflict while maintaining the positions acquired in the occupied territories. However, once freed, dissidents warn that "this is not the time to wait, but to act", as Andrei Pivovarov said at the press conference in Bonn with Vladimir Kara-Murza, and Ilya Jashin. Tangible acts are needed to show the false image of the world dished out at Russian citizens by state propaganda, according to which Russia is a fortress besieged by enemies. Opposition heroes urge Western countries to extend a hand to Russians, especially young people, inviting them to study in Europe or America, "so that they see how people like them live, not the ogres portrayed on Russian television. For Kara-Murza, many Russians are against Putin, do not believe propaganda, and do not confuse Russia with Putin's regime. Each of the 16 prisoners was accompanied to the exchange by their FSB guard, and Kara-Murzas told him look at your homeland, because you will never see it again. Kara-Murza replied: I know for sure that we will return to Russia, and the day will come when it will be a European, free and civilised country. All should do everything they can so that this day comes as soon as possible. More people are waiting to be freed, "not only those who are locked up in prison, and not only Russian citizens", said Ilya Jashin. 5 August 2024 08:30 (UTC+04:00) By Farman Aydin, AZERNEWS Armenia's becoming avid for military exercises in the past few months has already triggered an alarm in the South Caucasus. In particular, further intensification of military preparations on the eve of the COP29 international climate event, which will take place in Azerbaijan in November, has begun to appear as a serious threat to Azerbaijan. The rapid arming of Armenia and, moreover, the involvement of the USA and France in exercises, indicate more provocations than positive steps in the peace process. This also shows that it is not exceptional for Armenia to cause provocations on the border prior to the start of the event, which see hundreds of countries across the world. In fact, there is enough evidence for this. For example, Armenia, which has an ally like France, is trying with all its efforts to prevent COP29 from taking place or to damage the image of the event. Even if the realization of such attempts is a dream for Yerevan, France is constantly trying to discredit Azerbaijan through Armenia by encouraging provocations on the border. The Olympic Games did not pass so quietly in the background of political tension between Baku and Paris. Official Paris, which has experienced a great disgrace in the history of sports, is trying to revenge on Baku because of the ridiculous situation it is in nowadays. According to France, "now it's Baku's turn". It even thinks to use every situation to start a smear campaign against Azerbaijan. In addition, on the one hand, Pashinyan supports the Wests secret plan by delaying the peace process with dozens of excuses. Let's not go back too far. Everyone remembers that in 2023, during Pashinyan's speech in the Armenian Parliament, he said, steps will be taken to open the Zangazur Corridor and that Armenia is ready for it. At that time, the Armenian government did not speak so lavishly about military exercises. But where is Pashinyans promise and the words he released into to the atmosphere? It was no coincidence that the Prime Minister of Armenia, who felt himself somewhat cool in Iran, gossiped about the Zangazur Corridor in a behind-the-scenes meeting with Iran's religious leader Khamenei. Pashinyan, who always refused to fulfil his promise, had to find an opportunity to evade the issue this time. Certainly, Iran, which does not want to see the West in the Caucasus, has no choice but to agree with Armenia's pro-Western stance. If we are talking about a joint action against Azerbaijan, Iran will have to ignore all the whims of Yerevan in order to prevent the opening of Zangazur, which it sees as a nightmare, or the Turks Road. Crime Never Sleeps On the other hand, Armenia's arming and involvement in military exercises increased its desire for the release of separatist elements serving prison terms in Baku. Even a number of baseless claims about Garabagh have been voiced again by biased politicians such as Melanie Joly, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, and Louis Moreno Ocampo, who is accused of corruption. But how does the Armenian government whether overtly or covertly support it? Of course, Yerevan supports it with all its might. The fact that a criminal like Kamo Bahaturi Vardanyan, who used to command illegal military units in Garabagh, is currently appointed as an advisor to the Armenian Ministry of Defense indicates Yerevan's intentions regarding Azerbaijans territorial integrity. Perhaps for Armenia, it is time to play the cards openly, however Kamo Vardanyan's equal activity in the same cabinet with the NATO official promises not a pleasant event for the region. Pashinyan only keeps criminals with him who are useful for his work. If it wasn't like that, he would have helped his opponents like Ruben Vardanyan and Araik Harutyunyan to escape from Garabagh in various secret ways, or to put it more bluntly, he wouldn't have closed the doors of Yerevan to them. By appointing the criminal, the Armenian authorities once again clearly proved their support for the crime. As the saying goes, "Crime never sleeps". Armenia can never refrain from its crimes it has always kept as sacred in its hostile approach to Azerbaijan. For it, the important is to sacrifice everything for its own ambitions rather than the future of the region. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 5 August 2024 17:36 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more On August 6, Azerbaijan will join the inaugural meeting of Central Asian energy ministers in Astana, Azernews reports. According to the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan, the gathering will be led by Kazakhstan's Energy Minister, Almasadam Satkaliyev. The agenda includes speeches from the energy ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as a presentation by the Deputy Energy Minister of Azerbaijan. This meeting marks a significant step toward enhancing regional cooperation in the energy sector, fostering dialogue, and addressing common challenges faced by the Central Asian nations. It should be noted that on May 1, the ministers of economy and energy from Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to integrate the energy systems of the three countries. The memorandum outlines plans to explore the feasibility of connecting these energy systems by laying high-voltage cables along the Caspian Sea floor and across other territories. It also aims to implement the most technically and economically optimal trade practices and to supply green energy from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan to the European Union. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Environmental summer camp titled "Let's bring bison back into our nature!" has successfully taken place in Ismayilli district, Azernews reports. The camp aimed to raise environmental knowledge and awareness about the iconic bison species reintroduced in the region, as well as develop a sense of respect and caring for nature among local youth. A total of 30 schoolchildren from Gabala and Ismayilli regions joined the camp co-organized by the IDEA Public Union, the Azerbaijan Youth Foundation, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Azerbaijan office and the Education Ministry's Republican Children and Youth Development Center within Green World Solidarity Year. On the first day of the camp, young people took part in presentations about the lifestyle of bison, the history of their settlement in the country, their distribution areas and their role in nature, the work done to return this rare living species to nature. Young people also participated in trainings on the factors that led to the destruction of the bison population, ecological competitions, fun activities related to biodiversity, etc. On the second day, an excursion to the Shahdag National Park was organized for the camp participants, Here, schoolchildren got acquainted with the rich biological diversity of the Shahdag National Park and visited the areas where bison live. The schoolchildren were given information about the successful adaptation period brought to our country and about the implementation stages and successes of the project. During the camp, inter-team ecological games, work on determining our fauna species based on footprints, organization of proper shelters and safety rules in nature areas were explained to schoolchildren. In conclusion, certificates and souvenirs were presented to the camp participants. Within the framework of the program related to the reintroduction of European bison to the Azerbaijani nature, IDEA Public Union in partnership with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Azerbaijan office, conduct extensive protection and educational activities. Since the end of 2012, intensive work is being done to reintroduce bison into the country's wild nature. In 2015, 305 hectares of land was allocated in the part of Shahdag National Park belonging to the administrative territory of Ismayilli district, where a complex was built for their reproduction and release into nature. As part of the reintroduction project, 46 bison were brought to our country from the zoos of France, Belgium and Germany during 2019-2024, and the number has increased to 61. 10 male and 5 female bison cubs totaling 15 have fully adapted to nature. On the initiative of IDEA Public Union, camps on environment and biodiversity have been organized every year since 2014 on a regular basis. During this period, more than 500 schoolchildren from Ismayilli, Salyan, Neftchala, Gabala, Goranboy, Samukh, Gakh, Shaki, Masalli, Jalilabad, Yardimli, Lankaran, Astara, Goygol, Lerik, Lankaran district participated in the camps. IDEA Public Union, established by the Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva on July 12, 2011, aims to promote public awareness on environmental issues and action, collaboration with the youth, promoting the education of environmental problems and finding proper solutions for them. The public union calls upon each individual to care about the environment and to contribute to ongoing efforts against ecological problems. ---- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 5 August 2024 09:35 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the inauguration of a new urban road constructed on the site of the "Javanshir" bridge in the Khatai district of Baku, Azernews reports. Azer Nematli, Director of the Road Project and Scientific Research Institute of the State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads, briefed the head of state on the completed work. The Javanshir" bridge, located on Uzeyir Hajibayli Street, had lost its load-carrying capacity after years of use, prompting the constructed of the new road. The four-lane road is 400 meters long and features new pedestrian paths to ensure comfortable and safe movement for both vehicles and pedestrians. Additionally, landscaping works were carried out, a modern lighting system was installed, and green areas were added along the dividing lanes and roadsides. -- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz The 46th session of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee has come to an end, Azernews reports. Delegations from 21 countries of the World Heritage Committee took part in the session, as well as observers from states-parties to the 1972 Convention for the Protection of the Cultural and Natural Heritage. Led by Deputy Minister Saadat Yusifova, a delegation from the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry participated in the 46th session. A total of 27 nominations were submitted (25 nominations for addition to the World Heritage List and 2 nominations for significant boundary changes). The session concluded with Nauru ratifying the World Heritage Convention and becoming its 196th State Party. The Committee inscribed 26 new properties, including making 2 major extensions to properties which are considered as new inscriptions. The other inscriptions include 20 cultural properties, 5 natural properties and 1 mixed site. These properties thus benefit from the highest level of heritage protection in the world. Managers of these properties will have access to enhanced opportunities for technical and financial assistance from UNESCO. With these additions, the total number of properties on the World Heritage List reach 1,223 across 168 countries. The Committee also reviewed the state of conservation of 123 other properties already inscribed on the World Heritage List. This latest project will join the 22 international aid requests that have been approved so far this year, totaling $695,201 across regions such as Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Arab States, Latin America, and the Caribbean, which demonstrates UNESCO`s and its partners`s work aimed at preserving the common heritage. The next session of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee is scheduled for the summer of 2025 in Sofia, Bulgaria, under the leadership of Professor Nikolay Nenov. Since its inception, the Azerbaijan National Committee t UNESCO has made significant contributions t various UNESCO programs and projects. These include efforts t safeguard and promote Azerbaijan's cultural sites, support educational initiatives, and foster international cooperation n the fields f science and technology. In 2003, the parties signed a framework agreement on cooperation in the areas of culture, science, education, and communication, which allowed Azerbaijan to become one of the donors of UNESCO. Many Azerbaijani cultural sites have been included in UNESCO's World Heritage List, including Icherisheher (Old City) with Maiden Tower, Shirvanshah's Palace, Gobustan National Historical-Artistic Reserve, etc. In 2021, Lankaran District was included n the UNESCO list "Network f Creative Cities". UNESCO also honors Azerbaijan's outstanding personalities like the poet and thinker Imadaddin Nasimi, Fikrat Amirov, great philanthropist and oil magnate Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, etc. ---- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 5 August 2024 16:59 (UTC+04:00) The Western Azerbaijan Community strongly condemns Toivo Klaar's discriminatory statements against Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia, his interference in Azerbaijan's internal affairs, and his remarks that escalate regional tensions, Azernews reports via the community's statement. "On August 4, 2024, Designated European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia Toivo Klaar, made statements that the Western Azerbaijan Community views as interference in Azerbaijan's internal affairs and discriminatory against Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia. Klaar's comments on resettlement and the right of return were seen as biased, as he extended this right solely to Armenians who left Azerbaijan voluntarily while denying it to Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia. Additionally, he described the resettlement of Armenians from the Karabakh region as a "special case", which the community perceives as an unjust ethnic-based assertion of authority. Klaar's attitude towards Azerbaijanis forcibly expelled from Armenia reveals ethnic and religious discrimination. His focus on the "Karabakh Armenians" suggests an inability of the EU to accept the settlement of the conflict and the restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. This, combined with the EU's military aid to Armenia, its tolerance of "sanctions smuggling" by Armenia, and arms sales to Armenia by EU member states like France, contributes to regional tension. The Western Azerbaijan Community calls on the EU to uphold human rights equality as per Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to cease discrimination against expelled Azerbaijanis, and to respect their right to return," the community's statement reads. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 5 August 2024 19:42 (UTC+04:00) The Araz Valley Economic Zone, a thriving industrial park in Azerbaijan, has recently welcomed its 12th resident company - Khanbulaq LLC, Azernews reports. The Economic Zones Development Agency officially announced the new addition to the growing economic hub. Spanning across a 2.5-hectare area, Khanbulaq LLC is set to establish a 40-room hotel and a restaurant with a capacity of 100 people. This ambitious project, valued at 7 million manats (approximately $4.1 million), is expected to create employment opportunities for 60 individuals. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 6 August 2024 00:37 (UTC+04:00) "On the eve of leaving the office, an EU officials such biased statements beyond its authority, first and foremost, is another blow to the reputation of the institution he represents," said Deputy Spokesperson of Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry Vasif Aliyev in his response to the media inquiry regarding some claims related to Azerbaijan in the interview of Toivo Klaar, the former special representative of the European Union for the South Caucasus, Azernews reports. "It is unacceptable for Toivo Klaar, the former special representative of the European Union for the South Caucasus, and the appointed ambassador of the European Union to Uzbekistan, to consider as a special case the issue of the return of Armenians voluntarily migrated from the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan to Armenia and other countries where they previously lived, and to condition the right of return of Azerbaijanis forcibly expelled from the territory of current Armenia. It is Armenias obligation to create appropriate conditions for the safe and dignified return of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia to their native lands, and the international community must demand the fulfillment of this obligation." "Ambassador-appointed Toivo Klaar is well aware that despite repeated appeals by the Azerbaijani side for the Armenian residents to stay in their homes and to return back, Armenians have no intention to return to the sovereign territories of Azerbaijan. In this regard, the Azerbaijani side respects the intention of returning to Azerbaijan only of those persons of Armenian origin who respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country," Vasif Aliyev added. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 5 August 2024 19:00 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijans Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel warning on Israel and Palestine, Azernews reports, citing the ministry. Considering the rapidly changing security situation in the region where the State of Palestine and the State of Israel are located, the citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan are advised not to travel to these countries unless strictly necessary. It is necessary for the citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan currently living in or visiting these countries to follow the safety and security rules and not visit areas of mass gatherings, the ministry said. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 5 August 2024 08:00 (UTC+04:00) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey has called on Turkish citizens in Lebanon to leave the country as soon as possible due to the recent events in the Middle East and the growing security crisis. According to Azernews, this was published on the Ministry's official "X" social account. "Our citizens are advised to avoid traveling to Lebanon, to be careful and not to travel unnecessarily to the provinces of Nabatiyah, South Lebanon, Bekaa and Baalbek-Germel. For those who do not need to stay in Lebanon, we urge them to leave the country when commercial flights are being carried out," the statement said. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 5 August 2024 19:20 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva 250 launchers of new tactical ballistic missiles, which were produced at the country's enterprises, were handed over to the DPRK border troops, Azernews reports. The ceremony was held in the presence of the country's leader Kim Jong-un, and his daughter, sister, Foreign minister, and representatives of the military command were also present at the podium. According to the head of the DPRK, strengthening the defense capability is an important state matter along with improving the lives of the population and eliminating the consequences of natural disasters. In recent days, the DPRK has been carrying out reconstruction work in the northwestern part of the country after the floods. The exact tactical and technical characteristics of the launchers and the missiles themselves are not reported. The DPRK has recently been actively developing new weapons, including MLRS. In 2023, the Korean People's Army was armed with 600 mm MLRS complexes, which, according to Pyongyang, can be used to launch tactical nuclear weapons. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz A San Diego physician who was accused of sexual misconduct has agreed to surrender his medical license, local ABC affiliate KGTV reported Aug. 3. Anupam Garg, MD, former medical director of the Scripps Health OB-GYN clinic, was accused of sending a patient inappropriate texts and failing to have a chaperone present during a breast exam, pap smear and IUD placement, according to the report. Dr. Garg, who is no longer employed by Scripps Health, agreed to give up his license and has been ordered to pay the California Medical Board $28,641 for the cost of its investigation. A Lexington, Ky., physician has surrendered his license after being sentenced to prison for two years for a $14 million fraud scheme, Kentucky reported Aug. 5. From March 2018 to April 2019, Amr Mohamed, MD, 55, accepted kickbacks from telemedicine company RediDoc to order medically unnecessary equipment, creams and testing for more than 7,000 Medicare beneficiaries. Dr. Mohamed, who was employed by Lexington-based UK HealthCare when he was indicted last year, received $261,054 in kickbacks from RediDoc during that period. Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare, parent company of ASC giant United Surgical Partners International, has agreed to sell its majority interest in Birmingham, Ala.-based Brookwood Baptist Health to Orlando (Fla.) Health. Here are five things to know: 1. The deal is valued at approximately $910 million in cash, with after-tax proceeds of approximately $790 million. 2. The transaction includes five hospitals, along with affiliated physician practices Brookwood Baptist Medical Center in Birmingham; Princeton Baptist Medical Center in Birmingham; Walker Baptist Medical Center in Jasper, Ala.; Shelby Baptist Medical Center in Alabaster, Ala.; and Citizens Baptist Medical Center in Talladega, Ala. 3. Under the proposed deal, which is expected to close in fall 2024, Tenet's revenue cycle management arm will enter into a 10-year contract to provide services for the Alabama hospitals. 4. Tenet has been on a hospital selling spree in 2024. The company has sold two hospitals to Roseville, Calif.-based Adventist Health for $550 million and three hospitals in South Carolina to Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Novant Health for $2.4 billion, as well as entered into a $995 million deal with Orange, Calif.-based UCI Health to bring four hospitals and an ASC into the UCI Health network. 5. The strategy aligns with Tenet's focus on USPI to spur growth. In 2023, the company added 30 ASCs to its portfolio and has a de novo development pipeline of more than 30 centers. "Tenet is entering a new era with a greater proportion of our performance coming from our highly efficient ambulatory surgical business and a reduced debt profile; we are well positioned to continue to expand free cash flow further over time," CEO Saum Sutaria, MD, said in a Feb. 8 earnings call. "We will have significant financial and capital flexibility to increase shareholder value over the long term." The future of healthcare is in streamlining the care process to reduce the number of patients physicians see and improve informatics but no one is ready to invest in these changes, two leaders told Becker's. The COVID-19 pandemic taught systems that providing medical care through technology was viable, and that a different way to streamline care could reduce hospital costs. John Mignone, MD, PhD, medical director at Seattle-based Providence Swedish Heart & Vascular Institute, told Becker's his wife recently visited her physician to order vaccines and screening tests based on her age. "In my mind, did she really need to see a physician for that?" Dr. Mignone said. "We should leverage informatics to streamline care, allowing physicians to prioritize patients who actually need treatment." The future of healthcare is not brick and mortar; rather, it lies in virtual care that optimizes medical regimens remotely with nurses and pharmacists, he said. Physicians should see only unstable patients. It could help improve healthcare costs, but data is hard to come by. "Unfortunately, informatics has predominantly been used for billing reasons, and we need to turn it into a tool for healthcare," Dr. Mignone said. "When I first joined my medical practice 10 years ago, I had better access to informatics than I do now. Everything has become so proprietary." Data is the new currency in healthcare, Xuanya "Bill" Zhang, senior director of operations for Providence Swedish Heart & Vascular Institute, told Becker's. "And unfortunately, people are hoarding it a lot of the time." If the healthcare informatics and payment system continues as they are, the cost of care will be passed on to patients, directly or indirectly, Dr. Mignone said. The problem is the needed changes would require investment "at a time when there's no money to invest," Dr. Mignone said. "Everybody knows what we need to do, just nobody has the activation energy to do it right now. I think that's the problem here. We can't keep kicking this down the road." Dr. Mignone and Mr. Zhang said the government has the greatest ability to start investing in these changes in healthcare, especially with its regulatory power. However, that change may be a long time coming. In the meantime, they said hospitals can still take an active role to push change forward. This includes taking stock of existing staff and overall capacity and forecasting patient care volumes to prepare the teams to handle future needs. "This approach is relatively easier to implement than influencing macroeconomic changes and can offer short-term benefits," Mr. Zhang said. "However, there are many structural issues to address in the long term." Orthopedic surgeons earn the highest average starting salary ($686,000) among physicians, while pediatricians have the lowest starting salary ($244,000), according to AMN Healthcare's "Review of Physician and Advanced Practitioner Recruiting Incentives," published Aug. 5. Gastroenterologists ($531,000) are offered the second-highest average starting salary, followed by urologists ($496,000), radiologists ($495,000) and dermatologists ($486,000), according to the report. Primary care physicians see significantly lower starting salaries than their specialist counterparts. Family medicine physicians and general internists earn an average starting salary of $271,000, less than half that of orthopedic surgeons. While nurse practitioners are offered lower starting salaries than physicians, salary offers to NPs are rising, according to AMN Healthcare. The average starting salary offer for NPs is $164,000, up 8% year over year, and up 32% from five years ago. "NPs are in rapidly growing demand as physician shortages persist," Leah Grant, president of AMN Healthcare's physician solution, said in a news release shared with Becker's. "Without them, access to healthcare would be even more problematic, particularly in rural and other underserved areas." The average signing bonus for physicians tracked in the report is $31,103, compared to $11,037 for NPs, while the average relocation allowance is $11,284 for physicians and $7,910 for NPs and other advanced practice professionals. Editor's note: The report is based on a representative sample of the 2,138 search engagements AMN Healthcare conducted from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, and includes data on starting salaries and other incentives offered by the company's clients to physicians and advanced practice professionals nationwide. Click here to access the report. Dallas-based Steward Health Care received a bid from Insight Health Systems of Flint, Mich., to acquire all of its Massachusetts hospitals prior to the health system sharing plans to close two state hospitals, however, the two parties could not reach an agreement. Insight Health Systems is a physician-led health system that runs Michigan- and Illinois-based safety-net hospitals. "Insight Health System submitted a bid to acquire all eight hospitals currently operated by Steward Health System in Massachusetts," Atif Bawahab, chief strategy officer for Insight Health Systems, said in an Aug. 5 statement shared with Becker's. "[W]e deeply understand how damaging the closure of healthcare facilities can be to local communities. We have proven experience in transforming distressed healthcare facilities into financially stable pillars of community health services with patient care that is second to none [and] something we have done in [Chicago's] Southside [and in] Flint, Mich., and stand ready and able to do here in Massachusetts." Steward received approval from U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez during a July 31 hearing to close Boston-based Carney Hospital and Ayer, Mass.-based Nashoba Valley Medical Center by Aug. 31. The for-profit health system sought Chapter 11 protection May 6 and is working to offload its hospitals and physician group, Stewardship Health. Massachusetts leaders have also pushed back on Steward's plans to close the two hospitals by the end of August, citing that the health system must provide the state with a 120-day closure plan. David Cohen, a representative for Steward, shared during the July 31 hearing that both Carney Hospital and Nashoba Valley have received no actionable bids, are serving a limited patient population and are operating at a significant loss. "Although there were certain parties that indicated an interest in assuming the operations, [there were] really no actionable bids with parties with financial wherewithal or financial support to actually transact and acquire the operation, the underlying real property, let alone to actually operate the hospitals in a manner that would be acceptable to state regulators," Mr. Cohen said during the hearing. Steward did not have a comment for Becker's at this time. Editor's note: This article has been updated as of Aug. 6 at 9:14 a.m. CT. Dallas-based Steward Health Care has shared plans to lay off a total of 1,243 employees due to the closure of two of its Massachusetts hospitals, Dorchester, Mass.-based Carney Hospital and Ayer, Mass.-based Nashoba Valley Medical Center, by Aug. 31. The for-profit health system filed two WARN notices July 29 to lay off 753 employees at Carney Hospital and 490 employees at Nashoba Valley Medical Center, both effective Aug. 31. "The decision to close both Carney and Nashoba hospitals is one we deeply regret having to make," a spokesperson for Steward said in an Aug. 4 statement shared with Becker's. "Steward is acutely aware of the difficulties this will impose on our dedicated and hardworking employees." The spokesperson said that Steward's other state hospitals have more than 1,000 job openings and that Steward encouraging those affected by the layoffs to apply. "We are holding job fairs to facilitate transfers for our employees and will communicate more details with them shortly," the statement said. Steward sought Chapter 11 protection May 6 and has been working to auction off its hospitals and physician group, Stewardship Health. The health system's decision to close the two hospitals in Massachusetts where the health system also has five other hospitals up for auction has been met with backlash from state leaders. "These nurses and health care workers have come to work day after day amid all of this uncertainty and selflessly served their patients," a spokesperson for Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said in an Aug. 4 statement shared with Becker's. "We are prepared for this and have been working with our partners in labor to make sure all impacted workers are hired elsewhere, including at the five hospitals we intend to save. We expect they will all get new jobs, and many already have. Steward, their lenders and real estate partners need to finalize deals on the remaining hospitals immediately." While the health system received approval from U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Chris Lopez to close both hospitals by Aug. 31, state Secretary of Health and Human Services Kate Walsh said in an Aug. 1 statement shared with Becker's that Steward must provide a "responsible closure plan" that follows the state's 120-day closure process. The plan must outline how Steward plans to protect patient safety and provide "robust community engagement." Deeming the coming days and weeks crucial to avoid a "public health disaster," the Massachusetts Nurses Association has called on Ms. Healey's office to help prevent the closure of the two hospitals. "We, along with a growing number of community members and policy makers, call on the Governor and local Mayors to declare a public health emergency and exercise state and municipal power under that declaration to prevent closures while viable bidders for all the Steward facilities are found and secured," MNA said in an Aug. 5 news release. Hospitals' operating performance continues to show signs of improvement, but real estate is one key opportunity health systems should not overlook to bolster their balance sheets and help meet growth goals, Kaufman Hall said in its latest "National Hospital Flash Report." Healthcare real estate is a strong investment, as shown by its performance during economic uncertainty, including the COVID-19 pandemic. It can enhance a health system's asset portfolio and offer flexibility to meet changing community healthcare needs. "Throughout the pandemic, healthcare asset values stayed solid. Unlike other sectors of commercial real estate that are subject to economic cycles and market volatility, healthcare real estate is characterized by stable demand," Steve Aleman, CFO of Ontario, Calif.-based Prime Healthcare, recently told Becker's. "People will always need healthcare services, regardless of economic conditions, and healthcare facilities must be available to meet those needs. This makes healthcare real estate a recession-resistant asset class that offers long-term stability." Kaufman Hall outlined four action steps for health systems to take advantage of this opportunity: 1. Health systems must have a firm grasp of their owned and leased real estate portfolio, immediate and future capital needs as well as clinical expansion plans. 2. Real estate strategies can support offensive strategies (acquisition of competitors or expansion of clinical platforms) and defensive strategies (strengthening liquidity). 3. Specific financial and operational goals should be established to guide the structuring and execution of these strategies. 4. Based upon the established goals, specific transaction alternatives (sale/leaseback, foundation model, etc.) can be pursued to meet capital needs and growth plans. Click here for more details on the Kaufman Hall report. Shamiq Syed has been appointed CFO of Bayonne, N.J.-based CarePoint Health System, according to an Aug. 5 news release shared with Becker's. In his new role, Mr. Syed will oversee all CarePoint Health financial operations, ensuring fiscal sustainability and responsibility. Mr. Syed will succeed Richard Sarli, who will transition to an executive vice president role in CarePoint's finance department. Prior to his new role, Mr. Syed helped with turnaround and restructuring at New York City-based Ankura Consulting Group. He also previously worked in turnaround and restructuring at AlixPartners, also of New York City, a management consulting company, according to his LinkedIn page. Editor's note: This story has been updated as of Aug. 6 at 8:20 a.m. CT. The Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., welcomed its inaugural class of 50 students July 29. Announced in October 2020, the medical school was established in partnership with Nashville-based HCA Healthcare, which will serve as one of the school's major clinical affiliates. Thomas Frist, Jr., MD, co-founded HCA with his father, Thomas Frist Sr., MD, and entrepreneur Jack Massey in 1968. Dr. Frist Jr. is a major shareholder of the company, which has seen its stock price hit new highs in 2024. "The Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine at Belmont University is dedicated to cultivating diverse physician leaders of character who embrace a whole-person approach to healing in a community of service-learning, inspired by the love and grace of Christ," the school's mission reads. Belmont University is a private Christian university with a total enrollment of roughly 9,000. The allopathic medical school received 1,368 applications for its inaugural year, with the Class of 2028 holding a median MCAT score of 509 and a median GPA of 3.64. Of the 50 students, four are recipients of rural community scholarships, indicating their intent to practice in rural areas after graduation. Anderson Spickard, III, MD, leads the students as dean of the Thomas F. Frist Jr. College of Medicine. In 2021, Belmont recruited him from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, where he established its Office of Education Design and Informatics, to serve as associate dean for spiritual growth and development of the new medical school. In 2022, Dr. Spickard was appointed to serve as interim dean of the school and was named dean a year later. The Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine is the fifth allopathic medical school in Tennessee and expects its class size to grow incrementally each year. There were 5 mergers and acquisitions completed Aug. 1 that affected 40 hospitals, including one deal that created one of the largest nonprofit systems in the U.S. 1. Philadelphia-based Jefferson and Allentown, Pa.-based Lehigh Valley Health Network completed their merger. Officials to create one of the 15 largest nonprofit health systems in the U.S. with 32 hospitals, more than 700 sites of care and 65,000 employees. Jefferson brings 18 hospitals to the combined system, with 15 from Pennsylvania and three from New Jersey. LVHN brings 14 Pennsylvania hospitals. Jefferson CEO Joseph Cacchione, MD, who will serve as chief effective of the merged enterprise, said LVHN will undergo some type of rebranding, but final decisions have not been made. He said the Lehigh name "will be preserved and will not go away. The Lehigh Valley name has a lot of brand equity, its a very important brand one of the reasons for our whole plan." 2. Midland-based MyMichigan Health completed its acquisition of St. Louis-based Ascension's Michigan locations in Standish, Tawas and Saginaw. The acquisition includes Saginaw-based Ascension St. Mary's, Saginaw-based Ascension St. Mary's Towne Center, Standish-based Ascension St. Mary's, Tawas City-based Ascension St. Joseph, and the related Ascension Medical Group care sites and physician practices 3. San Francisco-based UCSF Health completed its acquisition of two hospitals from San Francisco-based Dignity Health in a $100 million deal. Saint Francis Memorial Hospital and St. Mary's Medical Center, both located in San Francisco, bring a total of 1,800 employees and providers onto the UCSF Health team. UCSF plans to invest $100 million to support the integration of the two hospitals over the next two years. 4. Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems completed its sale of Tennova Healthcare-Cleveland (Tenn.) to Vitruvian Health in Dalton, Ga., for $160 million. CHS has been eying $1 billion in divestitures with plans to use proceeds from those deals for targeted investments in core markets, funding potential future acquisitions and increased flexibility in debt management. 5. Dartmouth Health in Lebanon, N.H., is integrating Valley Regional Hospital into its network. The health system previously collaborated with 25-bed Valley Regional Hospital in Claremont, N.H., for many services, including cardiology, oncology, pathology and radiology. The hospital will now formally integrate into Dartmouth Health to share in its technology, clinical research and network of more than 2,000 physicians and providers. Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare has agreed to sell its 70% majority ownership interest in Birmingham, Ala.-based Brookwood Baptist Health to Orlando (Fla.) Health. The proposed transaction includes five hospitals, with a total of more than 1,700 beds, as well as affiliated physician practices and other related operations: Brookwood Baptist Medical Center (Birmingham) Princeton Baptist Medical Center (Birmingham) Walker Baptist Medical Center (Jasper, Ala.) Shelby Baptist Medical Center (Alabaster, Ala.) Citizens Baptist Medical Center (Talladega, Ala.) The proposed deal is valued at approximately $910 million in cash with after-tax proceeds of approximately $790 million, according to Tenet. Under the proposed agreement, Tenet's revenue cycle management arm, Conifer Health Solutions, will enter into a 10-year contract to provide services for the Alabama hospitals and related operations. Tenet and Orlando Health, a 17-hospital health system, expect the deal to close in fall 2024. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals, clearances and closing conditions. Brookwood Baptist Health formed in 2015 through a joint venture between Baptist Health System in Alabama and Tenet. Under the proposed deal, Brookwood Baptist Health will remain a joint venture with Baptist Health System. The system will become Baptist Health, and Thibaut van Marcke, currently senior vice president of Orlando Health Southeast Region and president of Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, will lead Orlando Health's efforts in Alabama, according to Orlando Health. Tenet reported net income of $259 million in the second quarter of 2024, up nearly 111% from $123 million for the same quarter in 2023. Tenet anticipates recording a pre-tax book gain of approximately $375 million as a result of this anticipated transaction in Alabama. Cleveland Clinic is launching a new initiative utilizing quantum technologies and artificial intelligence for clinical applications. Cleveland Clinic is partnering with the Novo Nordisk Foundation, a Denmark company focused on medical treatment and research, to launch the Cleveland Clinic Denmark: Quantum-AI Biomedical Frontiers Fellowship Program. Under the program, the Novo Nordisk Foundation will award up to $6.2 million over the next three years to facilitate the exchange of 12 researchers, according to an Aug. 5 news release from Cleveland Clinic. Each researcher will receive a three-year term to conduct advanced research at either Cleveland Clinic or in Denmark. In Cleveland, the fellows will also have the chance to collaborate with IBM researchers through Cleveland Clinic's Discovery Accelerator partnership. The program will work to harness quantum technologies and AI to focus on scientific areas such as enhanced diagnostic precision, innovative drug discovery, optimization of clinical trials, and personalized medicine development. St. Petersburg, Fla.-based Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital has filed an appeal in a case made famous by a Netflix documentary, arguing that it wasn't allowed a fair trial, Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported Aug. 3. The appeal, submitted Aug. 2 to Florida's 2nd District Court of Appeal, requests the court overturn the final judgment issued by Sarasota Circuit Court Judge Hunter Carroll. The judgment awarded the Kowalski family, who filed a lawsuit against the hospital in 2018, $208 million in compensatory and punitive damages. The hospital seeks a ruling in its favor regarding the claims of wrongful death, intentional infliction of emotional distress and false imprisonment. The hospital is also seeking a new trial, arguing that the trial court misinterpreted Chapter 39 immunity statutes. Additionally, All Children's is contesting the damages awarded to the Kowalski family and aims to address any claims that persist after the appeal. The appeal follows a verdict nine months ago, when a six-person jury awarded the Kowalski family more than $261 million in compensatory and punitive damages against the hospital after a two-month trial in 2023. The Kowlaski family sued All Children's in 2018 after the hospital reported Beata Kowalski, the mother of Maya Kowalski, a patient at the hospital, for suspected child abuse in 2016 after she requested ketamine to treat her daughter for chronic pain. The girl was removed by the state and sheltered at the hospital for three months, during which Beata Kowalski died by suicide. A Netflix documentary titled "Take Care of Maya," released in June, covered the saga and was viewed nearly 14 million times in the first two weeks of its debut. In court, a jury's verdict found that the hospital was guilty of inflicting emotional distress on the Kowalski family and contributing to Beata Kowalski's suicide. More than half of patients hospitalized and treated for pneumonia receive differing diagnoses during their stays, according to a study published in Annals of Internal Medicine. Researchers from the University of Utah Health and the nearby VA Healthcare System, both based in Salt Lake City, measured the rates of concordance and discordance in pneumonia diagnoses. They followed three states: initial diagnosis in the emergency department, initial chest image reports and discharge diagnosis. Among more than 2 million admissions at VA hospitals across the U.S., 36% of patients were admitted with a pneumonia diagnosis but not a corresponding discharge diagnosis. Another 33% had a discharge diagnosis of pneumonia but not an admission diagnosis. The study focused on admissions between 2015 and 2022. "This uncertainty was often evident in doctors' notes on patient visits," according to a news release from the University of Utah Health. "Clinical notes on pneumonia diagnoses in the emergency department expressed uncertainty more than half the time (58%), and notes on diagnosis at discharge expressed uncertainty almost half the time (48%)." It's a jump from a previous study that noted 12% misdiagnosed pneumonia cases across 48 Michigan hospitals over three years. In conclusion, the authors of the latest study said physicians and patients should be aware of this high level of uncertainty about pneumonia diagnoses. Rogers-based Mercy Northwest Arkansas received a $5 million gift from the Walmart Foundation to expand the hospital, including building a new interventional radiology suite. The new suite will provide advanced treatments to patients and will use the most up-to-date medical equipment, according to an July 31 news release. The northwest Arkansas community loses approximately $950 million annually as patients leave for medical services and specialty care. The new hospital expansions will help reverse that trend, the release said. Additional expansion projects will be announced at a later date. Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons in Montgomery, Ala., is planning to build a surgery center in the same city, according to an Aug. 3 Facebook post. The orthopedic practice applied for a certificate of need for the ASC. If approved, the ASC will be centrally located in the River Region near I-85. Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons currently has locations throughout Alabama in Montgomery, Prattville, Wetumpka and Tallahassee. A judge has warned anyone engaging in racist behaviour on the back of the Southport stabbings can expect to be remanded in custody. He made the remarks after Jordan Apsley (23) from Greers Road, Dungannon was charged with two counts of assault, possessing a hatchet in public, affray, disorderly behaviour, threatening to kill and doing a provocative act. A support group for parents of children with special needs has called a data breach, revealed over the weekend by the Department of Education, as extremely concerning. SEN Reform NI also said that the incident has left parents feeling further disheartened as issues regarding special education in Northern Ireland continue to dominate their summer. As of August 2, a total of 75 pupils were still waiting to learn which school they would be attending at the start of next month. Earlier this year, Education Minister Paul Givan put out a distress call to primary schools in a bid to create 1,000 additional places for pupils with SEN (special educational needs). He also announced that at least eight new special schools will be built over the next 10 years to move the sector away from the continuing crisis management situation. As part of an ongoing review of the special education system, parents had been invited to register for an event to update them on progress. However, the names, addresses and personal details of 407 people who had declared an interest were leaked in error by the department, which has left parents frustrated, angry and once again feeling let down by the authorities. SEN Reform NI, which campaigns on behalf of parents and which took their concerns to Stormont at the start of the summer, said many of its supporters and members have been affected by the data breach. As parents and carers of children with disabilities and additional needs, we have welcomed the Department of Educations end-to-end review, but this data breach is extremely concerning, the group said. Personal information has not been handled responsibly, with personal details around childrens health and education being included. This has unfortunately left many parents feeling further disheartened with SEN education in Northern Ireland, at a time we had hoped for improvements. The Department of Education said it is investigating the data leak after a spreadsheet, including names, email addresses and titles of individuals, was sent in error to 174 people. Those 174 recipients of the leaked spreadsheet, which also included comments made by a number of individuals, have been asked to delete the information and to confirm they have done so. Mr Givan said his department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the data breach on Thursday and apologised to all affected. The department takes its responsibilities around data protection extremely seriously and we unreservedly apologise to all those affected, as this should not have happened, he said. The individuals involved have been contacted to make them aware of the data breach. Mr Givan said he has instructed his permanent secretary to launch a full and thorough investigation into the data breach, which will be led by internal audit. In parallel, the department will be working to put in place measures to help make sure this does not happen again, Mr Givan said. An initial notification has been made to the office of the Information Commissioner regarding the data breach and the department will continue to engage with them as they conduct their investigation. As our investigation continues, all those impacted, as well as the Information Commissioners Office, will be kept updated. An anti-immigration protest takes place at the Clayton Hotel in Belfast on August 5th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) A protest is scheduled outside the Clayton Hotel at 5pm An anti-immigration protest takes place at the Clayton Hotel in Belfast on August 5th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) An anti-immigration protest takes place at the Clayton Hotel in Belfast on August 5th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) An anti-immigration protest takes place at the Clayton Hotel in Belfast on August 5th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) An anti-immigration protest takes place at the Clayton Hotel in Belfast on August 5th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) An anti-immigration protest takes place at the Clayton Hotel in Belfast on August 5th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) An anti-immigration protest takes place at the Clayton Hotel in Belfast on August 5th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) An anti-immigration protest takes place at the Clayton Hotel in Belfast on August 5th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) An anti-immigration protest at the Clayton Hotel in Belfast city centre has ended with no reports of violence. The protest was set to begin at 5pm this evening with only around 15 protesters arriving shortly before 6pm. Protesters gathered at the Clayton Hotel despite there being no reports of asylum seekers ever staying in the hotel. 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 The protesters stayed for 15 minutes before dispersing. Several counter groups have also arrived and watched from a distance. Both sides were heard chanting; however there have been no reports of violence between them. A sizable police presence gathered in the city centre ahead of the protest. Police moved a number of the anti-immigration protestors away from counter protesters. 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 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 The nearby BBC offices went into lockdown ahead of the protest. The BBC have declined to comment. Read more Assembly recalled as First Minister and deputy issue plea for calm amid reports of further Belfast protests Earlier on Monday, four men were remanded into custody accused of taking part in riots and an illegal parade during anti-immigration protests over the weekend. Several businesses were attacked and some were set on fire during the protests after an anti-immigrant demonstration moved from Belfast City Hall to surrounding streets. Three police officers were injured and four members of the public reported that they had been assaulted. Watch: Cars burn during night of disorder in south Belfast Alliance Party call for recall of Assembly following riots The First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have said there must be a zero tolerance approach to racism and wanton destruction after they spoke to the Chief Constable today. The owner of a popular cafe in south Belfast has said attacks on businesses in the area over the weekend made him feel sick, with Botanic Avenues success down to its diversity. On Saturday, hundreds of anti-immigration protesters gathered outside City Hall before attempting to march to the Islamic Centre on University Road. When a police cordon stopped them from reaching it, they dispersed into Botanic causing havoc for local businesses. The Sahara Shisha Cafe, next to the Town Square owned by entrepreneur Peter Ringland (34), was one of the targets. Mr Ringland said: After destroying the Sahara Cafe beside us, the protesters threatened our customers who were sitting outside our bar and told them that they better move inside as someone was going to get murdered. We were devastated to think that this kind of behaviour still happens in 2024. We were also scared to see that the police had difficulties preventing the vandalism and violence. Botanic has established itself as the food and drink quarter of Belfast and its largely thanks to the diverse food offering offered by the many nationalities who live and work in the area. Windows and furniture were smashed at the cafe and protesters targeted other businesses owned by ethnic minorities too burning down Bash Cafe and Sham Market. A fundraiser to help repair the damaged businesses was set up in the aftermath and has now raised over 90,000 at the time of writing. Peter, who was one of the people who donated, said: We literally felt sick after witnessing the destruction caused to our neighbours shops and immediately knew that we wanted to contribute financially to getting them back up and running asap. Stephen Montgomery, who started the fundraiser, said: Were absolutely overwhelmed and in awe at everyones gratitude during these dark times. The fundraiser, originally set up just to help repair Sahara, has grown to incorporate more businesses as it continues to raise more money. Peter said: Its great to see the people of Belfast stand up against these criminals. We feel that banding together in solidarity with all the diverse inhabitants of Botanic is the best way to respond. There is no place for this kind of criminality in a modern society and I hope that the PSNI can restore and maintain order going forward. Four men appeared in court on Monday charged in connection with the riots. If you want to support the fundraiser to help repair the businesses, you can donate to the GoFundMe page here. Belfast City Council has said it will provide financial assistance to businesses damaged by anti-immigration protesters over the weekend. Disorder erupted in parts of Belfast on Saturday night following the protests. Protesters damaged a number of ethnically owned businesses across south Belfast. A GoFundMe page has been set up for some of the businesses attacked and has already raised over 90,000. In a statement, the council said: This council condemns the violent destruction and racist intimidation across the city, caused by far-right agitators on the streets of Belfast over the weekend. We stand in solidarity with those in our minority ethnic communities across the city, who own and run businesses, contribute to our culture and identity in Belfast and make Belfast an open and welcoming place to live, work and study. We reiterate our commitment to Belfast being a city of sanctuary for those fleeing war and persecution. They offered sympathy to all victims involved in the Southport attack. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the attack in Southport last week and their families, they deserve justice. Those who would seek to exploit this tragic situation to suit their own malevolent ends do not speak for Belfast nor represent our city. It was also agreed that council officers would submit a report to a future special meeting of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, as soon as possible, to establish a programme of financial assistance for the business owners who were impacted by racist criminal attacks. Sinn Feins Ciaran Beattie welcomed support being provided to damaged businesses. I am delighted that Belfast City Council has agreed to Sinn Feins proposal to provide financial support to businesses affected by racist violence in Belfast. There is no place in this society for racism or attacks on our minority communities. All political and community leaders must stand together as one against this despicable behaviour. Ill continue working to support ethnic minorities and to ensure these businesses get back on their feet as quickly as possible. The deputy First Minister has been been challenged by Northern Irelands first black mayor after the DUP MLA said she had told the Secretary of State many people have real concerns about immigration. Tricolour waving anti-immigrant agitators from Dublin treated like heroes after day of violence Irish far-right thugs who travelled from north Dublin for an anti-immigration rally on Saturday later spent the night drinking with UDA members in a loyalist bar. PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck confirmed he had been in contact with his counterpart in the Garda to help identify the troublemakers. Four people were arrested and three police officers injured during the disorder, with two plastic bullets fired. Social media posts last night were already suggesting further protests this weekend. Saturdays far-right rally outside Belfast City Hall was organised online, with a convicted loyalist paedophile among those spreading support for it. Sources say the UDA in south Belfast and Carrickfergus had encouraged members to mask up and attend. Masked rioter near a burning car They were joined by well-known far-right agitators from the Republic, some of whom were wrapped in tricolours as they stood alongside loyalists, including sectarian killer Glen Kane. They were later seen drinking in a loyalist bar in Sandy Row, where sources say they received a heroes welcome. Taoiseach Simon Harris expressed his disgust at those flying the Irish tricolour whilst attacking police and spouting racism. He spoke with First Minister Michelle ONeill on Sunday. She said: I briefed An Taoiseach on the totally unacceptable racist attacks on people and businesses in Belfast yesterday. We are agreed that cooperation 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. Speaking at a PSNI press conference on Sunday, Mr Beck said: I have personally spoken to my counterpart in An Garda Siochana and we will work really closely with them, and they have given me that reassurance that they will work closely with us to identify all those either north or south who were responsible for yesterdays activities. He rejected criticism of officers who were on the ground as local businesses, including a supermarket owned by a Syrian refugee, were attacked. He said: I do not accept that. I do regret that people attacked businesses, and that is wrong and that is where the fault lies, with those who set out with violence in their mind, and we will bring those people to justice. 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. Such attacks on officers are totally unacceptable and I would place on record my gratitude for the professional actions of officers as they dealt with yesterdays events. He said police had received 13 reports of criminal damage. He explained: 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. Firefighters tackling a blaze on Saturday night 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. We are working hard to identify all those responsible in this criminal disorder and those involved will be dealt with using the full force of the law. We are now in the process of gathering evidence, CCTV and other footage of yesterdays events and anyone who has information or who can help identify those responsible is asked to contact police on 101. 'I'm closing forever': Business owners in Sandy Row leave after anti-immigration protests turn violent Police Federation chair Liam Kelly also condemned the violence and defended officers on the ground. He said: Our teams showed professionalism throughout in the face of such hate filled racism and far-right thuggery. This is not who we are. This is not the Belfast that has made great progress. Hate has no place on our streets and it has to stop before it causes further damage or results in innocent people being hurt by the baying mob. Criticism of the alliance between protesters north and south also came from loyalist blogger Jamie Bryson, who said that while there were legitimate and deeply held concerns, they were not reflected by masked thugs rampaging attacking property or in people doing appalling Nazi salutes. He added: It strikes me therefore as somewhat of an absurdity that some of those from within unionism and loyalism, who are legitimately concerned about the traditional fabric of areas and communities being eroded, appear to see it as fruitful to make common alliances with those who are aggressively and passionately devoted to Irish nationalism. A fundraiser for a Belfast cafe attacked during the disorder in the city centre on Saturday has raised over 55,000. The Sahara Shisha Cafe located on Botanic Avenue was attacked during trouble linked to an anti-immigration march. While a rally at the city hall ended shortly before 1pm yesterday, 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. Damage to a cafe in south Belfast. Photo: Kevin Scott. 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. A GoFundMe fundraiser for the owner has now been set up and raised over 10,000 in less than 24 hours, before rising to over 55,000 at the time of writing. The fundraiser was set up by Stephen Montgomery who said the purpose of the appeal was to get the business back on their feet again and to show them we stand behind them against this terrible act of hatred. "Nothing left just ashes" - Businesses destroyed during night of racist disorder in south Belfast "Some of you may have seen recently that there was a video circulating online of a hate group targeting the shop. This resulted in the smashing of the front of the shop including outside furniture and glass windows, he said. "This act of hate was a result of the Islamophobic "protests" held in the city earlier that day which spiralled out of control. "The only reason this cafe was targeted was because of the owners being Muslim. An act of racism which we don't tolerate in our city. I would ask if you could please find it in your hearts to donate to this small business to help them get back on their feet again and to show them we stand behind them against this terrible act of hatred. In a later update the Mr Montgomery said other impacted businesses would also be helped with the funds. "We're absolutely overwhelmed and in awe at everyone's gratitude during these dark times, he added. "I just wanted to jump on to make you aware that because of how much that's been donated we're now in the position to incorporate other businesses who have been affected. Legal action has been commenced against Northern Irelands Department of Education over a data breach (Liam McBurney/PA) Legal action has been commenced against Northern Irelands Department of Education over a data breach. On Friday, Education Minister Paul Givan issued an apology to all those affected after the details of more than 400 people were shared. The department said a spreadsheet containing the names, email addresses and titles of 407 individuals who had expressed an interest in attending the End-to End Review of SEN events across Northern Ireland was sent in error. The spreadsheet also included comments made by a number of individuals. The department said the 174 individuals who received the personal data have been asked to delete the information and confirm they have done so. Mr Givan said he has instructed his permanent secretary to launch a full and thorough investigation into the data breach, adding the department will be working to put in place measures to help make sure this does not happen again. The Information Commissioner was also notified. On Monday, solicitor Owen Beattie said his office has been instructed by some of those impacted by the breach and that legal action has been commenced against the Department of Education. The claim is for breach of privacy, misuse of private information, breach of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights and also for personal injury due to the distress caused to its clients. We can confirm that legal action has been launched against the Department of Education for the data breach that occurred on 1 August 2024, Owen Beattie and Co Solicitors said in a statement. Our clients are rightly concerned, angry and distraught by this grievous breach of privacy. The apology from the Minister is welcomed, but there is still much uncertainty around the extent and scale of this breach. This litigation should bring a spotlight to expose how this data breach occurred in the first place, and to also secure accountability for those affected. Responding, a Department of Education spokesperson said: The department unreservedly apologises to all those affected by the data breach and reported the breach to the Information Commissioners Office, the independent regulatory body for data protection law, as well as launching a full and thorough internal investigation. As the investigation progresses, all those impacted will be kept updated. Four men have appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court following violence in the city on Saturday (Liam McBurney/PA) Police believe that more violence linked to planned anti-immigration protests is likely in Belfast in the coming days, a court has heard. A judge described scenes of disorder in the city at the weekend as absolutely disgraceful as he refused bail to four men. Deputy District Judge Liam McStay said there were racist elements to the violence and that the message had to be sent that if you allow yourself to become involved in this you will be remanded. PSNI officers man road blocks in Belfast on Saturday evening (David Young/PA) Violence flared after an an anti-immigration demonstration left Belfast City Hall on Saturday. Three police officers were injured in the disturbances. Four men were charged and appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court on Monday. The first to appear was Simeon Eric McCullough, 46, of Schomberg Drive in Belfast, who was charged with disorderly behaviour and resisting police. The court was told the alleged offences had occurred in the Sandy Row area of Belfast on Saturday evening. A PSNI constable told the court that the alleged offences had taken place during unrest which saw attacks on police officers and businesses belonging to members of ethnic minority communities. He said the defendant was observed verbally attacking police. Objecting to bail, the constable said: Police have information that more disorder is likely in the next coming days. A defence lawyer said his client was not connected to any serious disorder and had gone out in the evening to walk his dog before finding himself separated from his house by lines of police officers, ending up in a confrontation and being arrested. Judge McStay told the court: The events at the weekend were absolutely disgraceful: a concerted and deliberate attempt to undermine public order and to then domineer the community, and there were racist elements to it. He said it was not alleged McCullough had participated in the worst aspects of the violence. But the judge added: The position is that this court cannot allow the type of behaviour that occurred on Saturday to be repeated and to be visited on other people, and the message has to be if you allow yourself to become involved in these matters for whatever reason, then you will face the consequences. In this case the risk of reoffending, my significant concern is it is at a very high level. It is concerted and it is directed in a racist way towards residents who are stuck in the same areas as the people who are affecting the unrest. Riot police separate rival protesters during an anti-Islamic protest at Belfast City Hall (Peter Morrison/PA) The message has to be that if you allow yourself to become involved in this you will be remanded. Bail was refused and McCullough was remanded in custody until August 19. Gary Creighton, 38, from Inishowen Drive in Belfast, was charged with possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence, possession of fireworks without a licence, and riotous behaviour. He also faced a charge of disorderly behaviour. The PSNI constable told the court that Creighton had been observed on two occasions throwing lit fireworks into a crowd of people during an anti-immigrant protest at Belfast City Hall on Saturday. A defence lawyer said there was nothing to connect her client to more serious offending which occurred at the weekend. She said Creighton had accepted he threw a firework and was remorseful. Judge McStay said: Anybody who engages in this type of behaviour is going to find themselves in great difficulty in achieving bail. Creighton was remanded in custody until September 2. Bernard Lavery, 34, from Farnham Street in Belfast, appeared charged with taking part in an unnotified public procession. A PSNI detective constable told the court that Lavery had been at the front of the anti-immigration protest which left Belfast City Hall carrying an Irish tricolour flag and using mobile phones. She said: Police believe that he has played a significant role and was more than a spectator in that protest. He is also seen at a time gesturing and pointing towards hotels in the city centre. She added: Police believe his role was pivotal to the disorder that then arose from those events. PSNI officers man road blocks in Belfast following an anti-Islamic protest outside Belfast City Hall (David Young/PA) Police are in receipt of information that there is the potential for further disorder and we believe that poses a public risk to our communities and our businesses. A defence lawyer said his client had been fully co-operative with police and denied having any leadership role in the protest. He said his client had only attended the protest after a flyer was posted through his door and had encouraged those who had engaged in disorder to desist. Lavery was remanded in custody until September 2. Last to appear was Michael John Coulter, 53, of York Park in Belfast who was charged with resisting police, three counts of assault on police and disorderly behaviour. A PSNI constable said Coulter had been in the Shaftesbury Square area on Saturday night with two children when he verbally abused police, calling them black bastards. The constable said he struck police with his crutch when he was approached. A defence lawyer said his client was disabled and had nothing to do with the protest but had stopped in the area to buy a kebab following a night out. Coulter was denied bail and was remanded in custody until September 2. The new Labour Government is reviewing the controversial Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, amid warnings it would damage Northern Irelands tourism industry. Due to come into force later this year, the latest expansion of the ETA scheme would require overseas visitors who are holidaying in the Republic to obtain a permit in advance if they want to visit Northern Ireland. The ETA scheme described as a new requirement for people who do not need a visa to come to the UK came into operation earlier this year for those from gulf states, such as Oman and Jordan. It was announced in March 2023 by then immigration minister Robert Jenrick, who said at the time it would enhance our border security by increasing our knowledge about those seeking to come to the UK and preventing the arrival of those who pose a threat. He added: It will also improve travel for legitimate visitors. South Belfast and Mid Down MP Claire Hanna An ETA permit costs 10 and is valid for two years, unless the holders passport expires before that. When it comes into force for those visiting NI, it wont apply to those from the Republic, but all non-visa visitors coming here will have to have an ETA, whether they arrive directly via an airport or ferry, or via the land border with the Republic. Given that more than 70% of international visitors coming to Northern Ireland arrive via Dublin, there have been serious concerns about the impact on our tourism industry, and that of the Republic, from the ETA scheme. Last July the Government rejected calls to exempt some tourists visiting NI from the scheme. It was proposed by tourism industry representatives that some international visitors would only be required to have an ETA permit if they planned to stay for more than a week. Mr Jenrick shut down this suggestion, stating that such an exemption would result in an unacceptable gap in the UKs border security. SDLP MP for Belfast South and Mid Down, Claire Hanna, asked the Home Office of any plans it has to review the potential impact of the ETA scheme on the movement of people on the island of Ireland and the tourism industry. Titanic Belfast Labour MP Seema Malhotra, a parliamentary under-secretary at the Home Office, said the Government is reviewing a number of Home Office policies including this one. Ms Hanna welcomed the news of the review, branding the ETA an ill-thought out Tory policy that would have hugely detrimental impacts on Northern Irelands tourism industry and made life difficult for people from outside these islands to travel across the border. The majority of tourists visiting here arrive in Ireland at Dublin Airport and this unnecessary red tape would have left many visitors deciding that travelling to Northern Ireland was simply not worth the hassle, she said. This had the potential to cost our economy millions a year with knock on effects for businesses and staff. The Department for the Economy said Minister Conor Murphy has made clear his concerns about the impact of the introduction of the ETA scheme on our tourism sector, branding it a real risk to the huge growth potential of the industry. The minister wrote to the previous British Minister for Legal Migration and the Border in April to express his concerns and has just written again to the new Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Seema Malhotra MP seeking an urgent meeting on this matter, they added. Police were at the scene of a road traffic collision on the Old Belfast Road, Bangor on Sunday. Picture by Press Eye An alleged victim of domestic abuse appeared in court today accused of trying to kill her partner by deliberately running him over. Downpatrick Magistrates Court heard how the victim remains in intensive care in a critical condition after he was trapped under the car being driven by Louise Wright and also that the 33-year-old asked her solicitor to convey her thoughts and prayers for his recovery. Call made for emergency meeting of Belfast City Council Politicians across Ireland have united in condemnation of the violence after anti-immigration protesters took to the streets of Belfast on Saturday. In a joint statement, First Minister Michelle ONeill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: Whilst people are entitled to peaceful protest, there is no justification for racism or the violence and intimidation that occurred on Saturday. Irish citizens have been advised against travelling to Israel (Mike Egerton/PA) Irish citizens have been urged to avoid travelling to Israel due to growing instability in the region. Citizens currently in Lebanon have also been advised to leave the country. Recent days have seen growing tensions in the Middle East amid fears of a wider conflict in the region. Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tanaiste Micheal Martin posted about the new travel advice on X, formerly Twitter. Mr Harris said: Our travel advice for Israel has changed due to growing instability in the region. The government is now advising Irish citizens do not travel to Israel. The same advice applies to Lebanon and Palestine. Taoiseach Simon Harris advised Irish citizens against travelling to Israel (Brian Lawless/PA) In his post, Mr Martin said travel advice had been updated. He said: I urge citizens to avoid all travel to Israel at this time. I also remind citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon. In a further post, he said: I strongly advise Irish citizens in Lebanon to leave the country and take advantage of the commercial options still available. Safety and security of citizens is our priority. DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) officials in the region and Dublin are available for consular advice. A travel alert on the DFA website advised against all travel to Israel, Palestine or Lebanon. It said: Irish citizens are strongly advised not to travel to border areas with Lebanon, as directed by local authorities. The Israeli military has announced that the area is a closed military zone and entry into the area is prohibited due to ongoing military operations. Further incidents can occur without notice and there is potential for intense escalation; extreme caution is advised. It added: We strongly advise against all travel to the Gaza Strip, and to all border areas between the Gaza Strip and Israel, as directed by local authorities. Irish citizens in the Gaza Strip are advised to exercise extreme caution, and register their presence immediately by contacting the Embassy of Ireland in Tel Aviv. Due to the volatile security situation, we currently advise against all travel to the occupied West Bank, excluding East Jerusalem where we advise against non-essential travel. A number of crossings into Jordan remain open. The security situation across both Israel and Palestine remains tense and unpredictable, with the potential for intense escalation. Tanaiste Micheal Martin said travel advice for Irish citizens had been updated (Niall Carson/PA) It continued:The Department strongly advises all Irish citizens currently in Lebanon to leave now while commercial options remain available. The situation in Lebanon remains highly volatile with intensifying clashes along the southern border in recent weeks. In light of the unpredictability of the situation, events could escalate throughout the country with very little warning. This could affect exit routes out of Lebanon. Afzal Khan has called for the Government to adopt a definition of Islamophobia (Richard Townshend/UK Parliament/PA) The Government should define Islamophobia to combat the racism and vitriol we are seeing by a minority of far-right activists on Britains streets, a Labour MP has said. Afzal Khan has written to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, urging him to host meetings with Muslim community leaders and to formally adopt a definition of anti-Muslim prejudice put forward by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Muslims. It follows almost a week of violent disorder in towns and cities in parts of the UK, after stabbings in Southport, Merseyside, which both Sir Keir and Conservative former home secretary Dame Priti Patel have described as thuggery. Mr Khan, who was named the first Muslim lord mayor of Manchester 19 years ago and now represents Manchester Rusholme in the Commons, wrote: This violence has been stoked by the far-right and fuelled by widespread Islamophobia which have become mainstream over the past 14 years. Kingswood Homes workers rebuild a wall outside the Southport Islamic Centre Mosque (James Speakman/PA) I welcome the strong leadership you and your cabinet have shown on this issue, rejecting the classification of this rioting as legitimate protests, and convening an urgent Cobra meeting this morning (Monday). Mr Khan added: It is imperative that this Labour Government, in stark contrast to the previous Conservative governments, will not ignore Islamophobia when it occurs. He urged the Prime Minister to meet regional Muslim leaders particularly in areas where the violence has been concentrated, and to brief them on what action is being taken to de-escalate tension. Mr Khan also pointed to the APPGs definition of Islamophobia, produced after a 2017 inquiry, which reads: Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness. The MP said: Adopting this definition in Government, which successive Conservative prime ministers have neglected to do, will send a strong message that the racism and vitriol we are seeing by a minority of far-right activists on Britains streets is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The previous Conservative government declined to adopt the proposed definition of Islamophobia and said the wording could harm freedom of speech. A spokesman for then-prime minister Rishi Sunak said in February that the proposed wording conflates race with religion, does not address sectarianism within Islam, and may unintentionally undermine freedom of speech. He added: We have always been clear that this government does not and will not tolerate anti-Muslim hatred. Labour has included the definition in its own Islamophobia Policy the partys document which bans its activists from acts of discrimination, prejudice or hostility based on religion or race. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper lays flowers near the scene in Hart Street, Southport, where three children were killed in a knife attack last week (James Speakman/PA) The Government has pledged to bolster a 29.4 million Protective Security for Mosques Scheme, with funding for security at religious venues and schools. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: 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, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said there is simply no place in our society for the violence, racism and Islamophobia we have witnessed disorder fuelled by a toxic combination of far-right agitators and online disinformation. In Northern Ireland, where three police officers were injured after disorder in the capital Belfast, Stormont has been recalled and its members will discuss a motion on Thursday to reject all forms of Islamophobia, xenophobia and racism. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said thugs who have rioted and carried out racist attacks must face the full force of the law, and Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion, Sian Berry, said: What we are witnessing on our streets is fascist violence fuelled by racism and Islamophobia. Only by naming it and understanding clearly what it is can we work to defeat it. Tell Mama, an organisation which monitors anti-Muslim attacks, said it had called the police after it identified more far-right threats on Telegram that seek to target immigration solicitors and refugee services in more than 30 locations on Wednesday. Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said in a statement: Attacks on Muslims, black people, members of other minorities and our brave police officers are totally unacceptable, and we stand in solidarity with everyone affected. A youth aims a fence post towards police during an anti-immigration demonstration near the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, South Yorkshire (Danny Lawson/PA) The Government called an emergency Cobra meeting while courts stood ready to take cases as a sixth day of disorder saw rioters storm hotels housing asylum seekers. Police clashed with crowds as the escalating violence one week on from the Southport stabbings continued over the weekend across the country. More than 300 people have been arrested in less than a week. Several suspects faced charges in court on Monday, as ministers and police chiefs descended on Westminster for the meeting setting out the response for the coming days in a bid to clamp down on further unrest. Calls for the army to be brought in have so far been dismissed, with the Government insisting the police already have the resources needed to respond. It comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed the nation on Sunday amid the biggest challenge to his premiership so far, telling perpetrators they would regret engaging in far-right thuggery and promising those involved in unrest that they would face the full force of the law. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the courts are on stand-by to ensure swift justice. (PA Graphics) Defendants were being brought before magistrates in Belfast, Sheffield, Liverpool and South Tyneside in the latest wave of court appearances. Judges condemned the disgraceful and large-scale mob violence while some courts heard how defendants took advantage of the disorder to commit crime. A woman admitted pushing over a large bin towards police in Sunderland, after getting involved when the pub where she had been drinking closed, and a man said he stole vapes from a shop that had been damaged during the violent scenes in the town after socialising with friends. A 30-year-old man accused of swinging a stick at a woman during disorder outside Sheffield City Hall sobbed in the dock as he denied the charges against him. A chair is launched at police officers outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham (Danny Lawson/PA) But despite vows to handle cases quickly, it emerged those accused of being involved in unrest in Bristol are not due to face court until September. Meanwhile, former home secretary Dame Priti Patel said she would not feel safe in some of the areas where violence unfolded and that the racism on display was no different from that of the 1970s and 1980s. The Home Office brought in urgent measures on Sunday to make sure mosques were offered extra protection so any threats of more attacks on places of worship could be responded to quickly. A mosque in Middlesbrough was the latest of several to be targeted. Damage at the Holiday Inn Express in Tamworth, Staffordshire, after a mob attacked it on Sunday (Jacob King/PA) Organisation Tell Mama, which monitors anti-Muslim attacks, said it had called the police after it identified more far-right threats on Telegram that seek to target immigration solicitors and refugee services in more than 30 locations across the country on Wednesday. Dame Priti, the Conservative MP for Essex constituency Witham, also rejected claims there was two-tier policing in Britain, where right-wing protests are dealt with more harshly than left-wing ones. Something the Prime Minister also denied as he insisted policing was without fear or favour. The most senior police officer in the country, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, appeared to grab a reporters microphone and throw it on the ground when he was asked about two-tier policing as he left the Cobra meeting. Asked about the incident, the force said he was in a hurry. Among the latest scenes of widespread and continued disorder, which broke out in the wake of a knife attack last week which left three girls dead, anti-immigration rioters smashed the windows of the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham at the weekend before starting fires. Masked men hurled lengths of wood, chairs and bottles with some spraying fire extinguishers at police officers amid the 700-strong crowd. At least 10 officers were injured, with one knocked unconscious, South Yorkshire Police said. One arrest had already been made and others involved should expect us to be at their doors very soon, the force warned. On Sunday evening, a similar incident played out at a Holiday Inn hotel in Tamworth, Staffordshire, where reports suggested asylum seekers were also being housed, in a scene which saw fires, smashed windows and missiles being thrown at officers, Staffordshire Police said. Earlier in the afternoon, a group of rioters in Middlesbrough smashed the windows of houses and cars and threw objects at officers, with one seen shouting a racial slur and another telling police: Its our f****** country. There were 43 arrests, with crown court and university buildings sustaining significant damage, Cleveland Police said. Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Police used powers amid disturbances in Bolton to order people to remove face coverings used to disguise or conceal their appearance. The unrest has prompted some MPs to demand Parliament is recalled so the problems can be debated in the Commons, as it was during the 2011 riots. The Board of Deputies of British Jews called for a national conversation on promoting respect for the country and each other, as it condemned the lawlessness and thuggery. Further waves of violence sweeping towns and cities dominate Mondays front pages with Sir Keir Starmer promising extremists will face justice. Riots in towns and cities across Northern Ireland and England have been condemned by politicians with the story dominating the front pages of the Daily Express, The Guardian and Financial Times. 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 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 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 The Daily Telegraph says further clashes broke out between far-right protesters and Muslim counter-protesters on Sunday. 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 says the disgraceful rioters and those whipping them up online will face a reckoning, according to The Times. 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 The Independent leads with promises from the Prime Minister that groups rioting across Hull, Halifax, Liverpool, London, Southport and Rotherham will face the full force of the law. 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 The i reports there have been more than 150 arrests since violence began with police warning more are still to come. 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 The Daily Mirror splashes on anti-immigration protesters attacking a Rotherham hotel containing asylum seekers. 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 The Metros front page issues a shame on you message to those rioting, adding the Prime Minister has promised he will do whatever it takes to bring these thugs to justice. 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 The Daily Mail reports comments from agitator Tommy Robinson are stoking rage and fuelling violence. 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 other news, the Daily Star warns that bees and wasps have disappeared his summer, baffling experts. The Australian government has elevated the nations terrorism threat alert level from possible to probable, citing concerns about increasing radicalisation among young people and community tensions over the Israel-Hamas war. It is the first time the threat level has been elevated to the midpoint of the five-tier National Terrorism Threat Advisory System since November 2022. The level had been probable the previous eight years. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Monday that while government officials think the current climate makes terrorism an increased danger, they did not know of any specific threats. 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 I want to reassure Australians probable does not mean inevitable, and it does not mean there is intelligence about an imminent threat or danger, Mr Albanese told reporters. He said the government was acting on the advice of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), the nations main domestic spy agency. The advice that weve received is that more Australians are embracing a more diverse range of extreme ideologies and it is our responsibility to be vigilant, Mr Albanese said. Weve seen a global rise in politically motivated violence and extremism. Many democracies are working to address this, including our friends in the United States and in the United Kingdom. There are many things driving this global trend towards violence. Governments around the world are concerned about youth radicalisation, online radicalisation and the rise of new mixed ideologies. 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 Australian authorities last declared a terrorist act in April, when a 16-year-old boy was accused of the stabbing of a Sydney bishop while a church service was being streamed online. ASIO director-general Mike Burgess said more Australians are being radicalised more quickly. More Australians are embracing a more diverse range of extreme ideologies and more Australians are willing to use violence to advance their cause, Mr Burgess said, Politically motivated violence now joins espionage and foreign interference as our principal security concerns. These factors make ASIOs job more difficult. The threats are becoming harder to predict and identify. In Beirut, shops are open and traffic is as snarled as ever. In Tel Aviv, cafes hum with customers and umbrellas sprout across crowded beaches. Such scenes may seem surreal in a region teetering on the edge of all-out war, and beneath the surface there is plenty of fear and anxiety. But after 10 months of near-daily border skirmishes, strikes further afield and escalating threats, a sense of fatalism seems to have set in. The killings last week of two militant leaders in Beirut and Tehran, attributed to Israel, brought vows of revenge from Iran and Lebanons Hezbollah. Everyone expects that an all-out war would be far more devastating than any previous conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, including the 2006 war. Passengers whose flights were cancelled wait at the departure terminal of Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut (Hussein Malla/AP) But in Nahariya, a coastal Israeli town just 3.7 miles south of Lebanon, Israelis lounged at the beach and surfers caught waves in the shadow of the hills rolling along the border. Nahariya resident Shauli Jan said the area was tense but that most people were still going about their daily lives despite frequent air raid sirens. He decided to go to the beach as usual. We just want it to be calm, he said. We prefer to have a political arrangement and not war. In Beirut, about 70 miles to the north, the streets were bustling even in Dahiyeh, a neighbourhood that houses many of Hezbollahs political and security operations and where an Israeli airstrike killed Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur and six other people last week. The area, which is also a densely populated residential and commercial district, was devastated during the 2006 war; Israel has warned it would be flattened in the next one. Some residents said they were moving to other parts of Beirut, while others vowed to stay. I will not leave Dahiyeh, no matter what happens, said Khalil Nassar, 75, who was carrying Lebanese, Palestinian and Hezbollah flags in a show of solidarity as he went about his day. They are trying to intimidate us. Vendors sell fruit and vegetables in a market in Haifa, Israel (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP) Even those who fear the worst may feel there is little to be done. Authorities on both sides have yet to issue any orders to evacuate or prepare, even as several countries have issued dire travel warnings and many airlines have suspended service. Israels military had not as of Monday released any special guidelines or warnings for civilians, meaning beaches were full, summer camps were continuing and people still headed to work as they have throughout most of the war in Gaza. No-one seemed to be stocking up on supplies and grocery shelves were full. For many, the anticipation was tempered by the obligation, for now, to carry on. There is no change to the home front commands defensive policy, the militarys chief spokesman, Daniel Hagari, told Israelis in a nationally televised address on Sunday. At the same time, we are in strong readiness for defence in the air, at sea, and on land, and we are preparing for any sudden threat. After an apparent Israeli strike on an Iranian consular building in Syria killed two Iranian generals in April, Iran responded with an unprecedented direct attack on Israel, launching some 300 ballistic missiles and drones, nearly all intercepted by a coalition of international forces. A man smokes at a beach cafe in Haifa, Israel (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP) Elad Karta, who works in real estate, said his response to the latest Iranian threat was to go to the beach in Tel Aviv with his wife and son. Its summer break, so were doing it for him, he said. He and his wife had discussed buying extra cooking gas or emergency lighting but in the end decided against it. We dont feel scared, but we do feel kind of unsure of what will happen next, he said. In Lebanon, Hezbollah legislator Amin Sherri told The Associated Press the government has an emergency plan in case of all-out war, and the country has enough fuel and medicine to last between two and four months. On Monday, caretaker health minister Firass Abiad received 32 tons of medical equipment and medicine from the World Health Organisation. Mr Sherri said there was great uncertainty over Israels next moves. We dont know when it will initiate its aggression, he said. Several countries, including the US, the UK, France and Canada have warned their citizens to exercise caution or leave the region. Many airlines have cancelled flights to Lebanon and Israel, causing crowding as travellers try to rebook. Some of the expatriates who went to Lebanon to spend the summer have cut their trips short. At Beiruts Rafik Hariri International Airport, some international flights were cancelled while others delayed their flights, leaving passengers packed at the departure terminal. Passengers who spent hours waiting were sleeping on the ground waiting for the next flight. Roy Steinmetz, spokesman for the Israel Airports Authority, said the airline cancellations were expected to have an immediate effect, with tens of thousands fewer passengers passing through the countrys main international airport compared with the same time last year. In the Beirut neighbourhood of Dahiyeh, streets were filled with shoppers even around the building targeted by the Israel airstrike last Tuesday. Hezbollah has vowed to respond in kind without specifying when or how. Nearby, Saad Baydoun, 54, surveyed the damage to his shops, which sell internet and sound systems. His apartment was also damaged in the airstrike, forcing his wife and children to move in with relatives in another part of Beirut. Israel wants war but we dont, there is no doubt about that, he said. What I felt is 1% of what the people of Gaza are passing through. Near Tel Avivs central Dizengoff Square, boutiques and ice cream shops welcomed customers as Israelis walked their dogs or meandered. Were just holding on, waiting to see the size of the attack, said Tim Pshshinski, 21, who said he recently completed his compulsory Israeli military service. Life must continue, and theres not much else we can do. Protesters have stormed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas official residence with the Bangladeshi leaders whereabouts unknown, after demonstrators defied a military curfew to march in the capital. Thousands appeared to have entered Ms Hasinas official residence in Dhaka on Monday, following weeks of violent demonstrations and clashes with security forces. Bangladeshs military chief Gen Waker-uz-Zaman is expected to address the nation later on Monday. The protests began peacefully in late June, as students sought an end to a quota system for government jobs, but turned violent after clashes between protesters and police and pro-government activists at Dhaka University. The governments attempts to quell the demonstrations with force, curfews and internet shutdowns backfired, prompting further outrage as nearly 300 people were killed and leading to demands for an end to her 15 years in power. On Sunday, nearly 100 people were killed as the protesters clashed with security officials and the ruling party activists across the country. Among so-called patriots leading the charge in Belfast on Saturday was a convicted sectarian killer Yobs who contribute nothing to society but hate need a crash course in Irish history 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 at the weekend Allison Morris Mon 5 Aug 2024 at 07:10 As sure as night follows day there was always going to be trouble at the anti-immigration protest that took place in Belfast at the weekend. Council hoping for bumper summer season Cruise ship visitors are being given a new destination for their day in Northern Ireland the Gobbins coastal path. The day trippers from all over the world are already offered Belfast, Londonderry and the Giants Causeway as their choice for a tour but many are also heading for the unique spectacular walk in Islandmagee. Bennington, VT (05201) Today A mix of clouds and sun this morning followed by mostly cloudy skies and a few showers this afternoon. High 56F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight A steady rain this evening. Showers continuing overnight. Low near 40F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. BENNINGTON A Hoosick Falls woman was arraigned Monday on four criminal counts, including DUI and gross negligence, after a June crash in Manchester flipped her vehicle down a steep embankment and sent her and a passenger to the hospital with serious injuries. Helen Benn, 46, of Hoosick Falls, pleaded not guilty to four counts at her arraignment Monday morning in Bennington: felony gross negligent operation of a vehicle with a serious injury resulting, negligent operation of a vehicle with serious injury, vehicle operation with excessive speed, and DUI#1 under the influence. Benn faces a possible 19-plus years behind bars if found guilty on all counts. According to a police affidavit, on June 5th, Benn was driving at least 30 mph or more above the speed limit on East Manchester Road in her 2003 Toyota Tacoma when she failed to negotiate a sweeping curve and rolled over a steep embankment, pinning herself and a female passenger inside. Both occupants were eventually extracted by emergency service personnel, then rushed to area hospitals the passenger to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center and Benn to Dartmouth in New Hampshire via helicopter transport. Roll-over crash leads to second med-flight in less than a week MANCHESTER A roll-over crash on East Manchester Road brought a second medical helicopter to town this week, with one of the vehicles occupa According to the affidavit, Benn was mumbling and slurring her speech while talking with officers, who also noted empty bottle of Jim Beam inside the vehicle. When asked if she had consumed any drugs or alcohol, Benn allegedly told the officer yes to alcohol. When asked how much, Benn allegedly responded, a lot. Police later found skid marks allegedly made by Benns vehicle on the opposite lane of travel just before leaving the roadway leading into a grassy berm where the vehicle is believed to have become airborne over the steep embankment, then coming to a stop sideways on the drivers side against two small trees. Police believe the Tacoma was heading southbound when it approached the sharp curve went over the center line into the oncoming traffic lane before leaving the roadway. An eyewitness on the scene told police they estimated Benn was traveling between 60-70 mph right before the crash. An on-site breath test and other DUI-related testing could not be performed on the scene due to Benns injuries and emergency evacuation. That stretch of East Manchester Road has a posted speed limit of 30 MPH. An investigation and later interview with the passenger of the vehicle revealed evidence that Benn likely had consumed the alcohol beforehand and that Benn had crossed the center line once before during the trip that ended with the crash. The passenger also revealed to police that Benn seemed off earlier and was concerned about how fast she was driving. Both Benn and the passenger worked for Benns house cleaning company. Benn was released on her own recognizance with conditions after her arraignment, including not having contact with the passenger in the vehicle that day and a prohibition on buying, possessing, or consuming any alcohol. Benn is still allowed to drive but was prohibited from having any alcohol in her system while doing so. She must also submit to alcohol testing upon request of any law enforcement officer at any time. Judge Kerry McDonald-Cady also ordered Benn to undergo pretrial screenings and treatment for substance abuse if recommended by the clinical treatment coordinator. LENOX With frustration growing over wireless blackouts in many parts of town, theres a possible light at the end of the tunnel. A national tower company based in Cary, N.C., is proposing a 155-foot wireless tower on Canyon Ranch property at 165 Kemble St. TowerCo 2013 LLC is seeking public comment about the effect of the potential tower. The deadline for comments is Aug. 25, according to a recent legal notice in The Eagle. The companys management declined to comment on the proposal. But Mindi Morin, the managing director at Canyon Ranch Lenox, is rolling out a red carpet Noting the lack of cell signals in downtown Lenox and other areas of town, including the high-end resort she manages, Morin said theres huge frustration among visitors in town and at Canyon Ranch. We are exploring with TowerCo what opportunities we may have to enhance this here on our property because we know this will not only benefit us, but with the proximity to downtown, it will be a huge benefit to visitors, locals and businesses, she wrote in an email. This is a long process and we want to be mindful along the way and work within the town bylaws. Asked where on Canyon Ranch property the potential tower might be located, Morin said her team is working with TowerCo on the best possible area that meets all of the town requirements. Spotty cell coverage in downtown Lenox, Lenox Dale and many residential sections of the town has long been criticized by residents and visitors. Five years ago, a low-power small-cell antenna was built on West Street (Route 183) near Tanglewood to provide some reception to the Boston Symphony's summer home and nearby residencies. No proposals for a full-power installation have come to the town since voters approved the Planning Boards new personal wireless services bylaw at the annual town meeting in May 2023. The landslide vote of 464-67 preceded by an hour of vigorous debate was followed by a robust ovation. The previous local bylaw had raised a high bar for approval of new cell towers or antennas. The new one cleared the way for applications from providers to plug signal gaps in areas not reached by the only full-power installation behind Lenox Fit on Pittsfield Road (Route 7/20). The current bylaw maintains tight local control since any applications from tower companies require extensive public review and special-permit approval by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Canyon Ranch includes the historic Bellefontaine Mansion, designed in 1897 and listed on the Massachusetts Register of Historic Places. The new bylaw requires wireless installations on such properties to be concealed or camouflaged to preserve the character and appearance of the structure. Its expected that the potential new tower would be located elsewhere on the resorts 120-acre property, which includes 19 high-end condo residences. Typically, when the Canyon Ranch residences go on the market, they sell for $1.4 million to $2.5 million and up. Theres a minimum setback of 250 feet from private homes for any new facilities in residential and commercial zones. Installations remain off-limits in the densely populated sections of downtown Lenox and Lenox Dale. Despite criticism at the town meeting from some residents who contended the setback requirement was still too close to private homes, supporters such as Fire Chief Christopher O'Brien emphasized the dangers to public safety posed by inadequate signals during emergencies. He said response times depend on the ability to communicate by wireless with callers who may be lost or need other urgent aid. "The need for wireless communications is at an all-time high for businesses, venues, tourism and the safety of the community," O'Brien said. Police Chief Stephen E. O'Brien described recent incidents involving missing people. Outside agencies had complained about the lack of internet service or spotty signals. "This is not a problem that can be solved by using our two-way radio systems," the police chief said. "We need to have internet and cellular communications that are essential for the police to get things accomplished as quickly as possible." Although many cellphone owners use Wi-Fi for voice and text communication where it's available, power blackouts make Wi-Fi useless. 'How do you learn how to joust?' Cummington welcomes the Massachusetts Renaissance Faire For the time being, the new chief and the Sandisfield Fire Department are relying on mutual aid both for structure fires and for medical calls. When life hits hard and I feel overpowered and under resourced, I find comfort knowing God fights my fiercest battles. Some seasons create more angst than others, especially when triumph seems slow in coming. But Im learning to quiet my fears by reflecting on situations in which the Lord gained miraculous victory in times of imminent attack. Although Scripture records numerous instances when God defended His children from seemingly unconquerable forces, my favorites record when He defeated invading armies first during King Jehoshaphats reign, and a century and a half later when Hezekiah occupied the throne. These historical accounts remind me of the immutable grace, might, and faithfulness of the Lord. The Leader Who Aligned with an Evil King For years, while I cognitively understood my Fathers perfect love, I often viewed Him as exacting rather than merciful and kind. While I knew I stood forgiven in Christ, the most wounded places in my heart failed to receive this truth. Because of this, I struggled to fully trust in His desire to care for me. This is one of the reasons I appreciate how He responded to King Jehoshaphat, who ruled in Judah in the ninth century BC. 2 Chronicles 17 tells us that God was with him because he sought the Lord, purged the land of idolatry, and commanded the Levites to teach Scripture throughout the land. This occurred around 850 BC, when evil King Ahab occupied the throne in the north. Unlike Jehoshaphat, Ahab did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him (1 Kings 16:30). Despite this, King Jehoshaphat agreed to an alliance with him against Aram. But first, he sought Gods council (1 Kings 22:5). The Lord responded through a prophet named Micaiah, stating, in essence, that Ahab would be killed in combat. Despite this, both kings went to battle, unnecessarily reigniting conflict with the nation of Aram. As predicted, Ahab lost his life. You can probably imagine the impact this had on King Jehoshaphat. He had foolishly disregarded Gods warning, partnered with a wicked king, and barely escaped with his life. Considering this, one mightve expected God to withdraw His protective hand. However, that isnt how He responded. While the Lord chastised Jehoshaphat for the alliance, He also affirmed him for having set his heart on God. Judah in Crisis Sometime later, after carrying out additional reforms, Jehoshaphat and his people found themselves under attack. In 2 Chronicles 20, he learned a vast army comprised of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some Meunites had already invaded Judah and were less than 30 miles from the capital city. Verses 3-5 state: Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him. Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the Lord in the front of the new courtyard. What an example this set! Not only did he show the people the proper way to respond to fear, but he also modeled humble repentance. Yes, hed made a poor decision when he aligned with Ahab. But he also returned to God and, when faced with impending doom, trusted in Him and Him alone. In his public prayer, Jehoshaphat declared powerful truths regarding Gods nature and might. In verse six, he addressed Him as, LORD, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? In the original Hebrew, he referred to Him as, Yahweh Elohim, a name that emphasized His creative power and authority. Jehoshaphat called to the One who formed all that exists from nothing, that spoke light into darkness, and brought fertility to a once barren land (Gen. 1-2). The king also referred to Him as the God of their ancestors. No doubt this reminded them all of Gods faithfulness throughout the generations. In verse six, he said, Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. After declaring their allegiance in verse 9, the king concluded in a state of complete dependence, saying, For we have no power to face this vast army that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. How often do we feel the same? Some problems are so ginormous, no amount of human wisdom or strategizing will alleviate the crisis. But when were at a loss as to how to proceed, we can turn to our all-knowing, ever-present Father who always has the perfect plan. The Divine Defender This was precisely how King Jehoshaphat responded. Following, Scripture tells us that the Spirit of the Lord came upon a man in their midst. Through Him, God told the people, Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle is not yours, but Gods. However, they still needed to step out in faith. At the Lords command, they set out the next morning to take up their positions. But they did with souls filled with worship, saying, Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever (v. 21). Verse 22 states, As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Sier who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. Their enemies destroyed each other! By the time Jehoshaphats men arrived to the battle ground, all they saw were a bunch of dead bodies. As a result, The fear of God came on all the surrounding kingdoms (v. 29), and Jehoshaphat and his people experienced peace, for his God had given him rest on every side (v. 30). This account illustrates a few things. When threatened, we might feel tempted to seek refuge in false securities weve learned to rely on throughout our lives. Well soon discover, however, that only God has the power to save. Thankfully, His merciful response to Jehoshaphat assures us that, the moment we return to Him, our Lord always showers us with grace. Finally, this historical record demonstrates that while God often calls us to step forward in faith, He alone secures the victory. Taking Back What Evil Stole About 150 years after Judahs miraculous rescue, a 25-year-old man named Hezekiah assumed the throne. Whereas King Jehoshaphat followed a righteous king, and therefore likely grew up in a relatively godly environment, Hezekiahs world mustve been wrought with fear, uncertainty and trauma. His father Ahaz was so wicked, he established idolatry throughout the land, destroyed the Temple furnishings and closed its doors, and even sacrificed his children in the fire. Pause to consider the influence of such a man on the nation and palace life. Proverbs 29:12 states, If a ruler listens to lies including the demonic forces driving idolatry all his officials become wicked. These types of environments can create ruthless individuals who view everything and everyone as threats to conquer. The forces of evil had infiltrated the royal family and was seeking to steal, kill, and destroy the very foundations of justice. But at some point, God grabbed hold of Hezekiahs heart, and at the age of 25, he opened the doors of the temple of the Lord and repaired them (2 Chronicles 29:3). In the first month of his reign, he assembled the priests and Levites, told them to consecrate themselves, and to remove all defilements from the sanctuary (v. 5). Once theyd finished, he publicly worshiped, and with singing and trumpets playing, the people resumed their sacrifices to the Lord. Hezekiahs heartfelt reforms demonstrate that ones past, no matter how horrific, need not define them or plot their course. A Spiritual War Unfortunately, his story also reminds us of the spiritual opposition Gods children often face whenever they seek to live for Him. 2 Chronicles 32 begins with these words: After all that Hezekiah had so faithfully done, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah. He laid siege to the fortified cities, thinking to conquer them for himself (v. 1). Did this confuse him and his people? After all his massive reforms, why hadnt the Lord granted him and his people peace? He couldve easily followed in his fathers footsteps, determined that Assyrias gods were stronger, and abandoned the Lord to idolatry. Instead, he called the nation to resolute faith. Assembling his military officers, he said: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles (2 Chronicles 32:7-8). When Victory Seems Slow Coming He acknowledged Assyrias might. They came against Judah with a vast army, but he reminded them that God was greater and would help them fight their battles. And He did, but not immediately. In fact, for a time, the situation appeared to grow worse as Sennacherib taunted and terrorized the people. This went on for some time, yet Hezekiah remained faithful. Entering the temple, he laid the threat before the Lord. In his prayer, he proclaimed His power and authority, acknowledged the danger they faced, and begged for deliverance. God answered him in his distress, stating the King of Assyria will not enter this city or shoot an arrow here. He will not come before with shield or build a siege ramp against it. I will defend this city and save it (Isaiah 37:33-35). And as He always does, God made good on His promise and once again defeated Judahs enemies. 2 Kings 19:35-36 states, That night the angel of the Lord went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning there were all the dead bodies! So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there. This account highlights enduring faith. The longer our difficulties last, and the more intense they feel, the harder it can be to hold tight to truth. In our frightened and weakened state, our vulnerability to the enemys lies increase. We gain strength by relentlessly and continually seeking God, reminding ourselves of His promises recorded in Scripture, and surrounding ourselves with His people. Whether He brings victory in an instant or after what feels like a never-ending assault, we know our God will triumph, and in Him, we will overcome. As Romans 8:37 proclaims, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Photo credit: Getty Images/cineuno Jennifer Slattery is a writer and speaker who co-hosts the Faith Over Fear podcast and, along with a team of 6, the Your Daily Bible Verse podcast. Shes addressed womens groups, Bible studies, and taught at writers conferences across the nation. Shes the author of Building a Family and numerous other titles and maintains a devotional blog at JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLou d.com . Shes passionate about helping people experience Christs freedom in all areas of their lives. Visit her online to learn more about her speaking or to book her for your next womens event, and sign up for her free quarterly newsletter HERE and make sure to connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and GodTube. We can ask the question of whether or not Jesus racial identity matters. Isnt He a savior for everyone? The Bible affirms that Jesus came to save everyone, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). Jesus identity as a Jew, specifically from the line of David and the tribe of Judah, is critical to verifying the identity of the Savior. God made several promises and prophecies about the person who would be able to redeem humanity from their sins. Key verses about the identity of the Messiah are: The Lord God said to the serpentI will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel (Genesis 3:14a-15). The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples (Genesis 49:10). When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever (2 Samuel 7:12-16). There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit (Isaiah 11:1). Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: The Lord is our righteousness (Jeremiah 23:5-6). In order for Jesus claim to be the Messiah to be true and believable, He had to fulfill these requirements, among others. Jesus identity as a Jewish man, specifically from the line of David - through two different sons - and the tribe of Judah were signs to the people during His earthly ministry that this man was the one for whom they were searching. It is also a sign to those who study the Scriptures today that Jesus really is who He said He was before His resurrection and ascension. The difference between true faith and blind faith is support and evidence. While people can be saved through the blood of Jesus Christ without understanding the lineage of Jesus Christ, their faith can be strengthened and fortified by understanding the identity of Jesus and how it fulfills prophecy given thousands of years before He was born. He existed before, one with the Father and the Holy Spirit, but came into the world so that everyone who followed Him could have eternal life. Jesus came into the world as a Jewish man, and He used this identity in part as proof that He was the one who would crush the head of the serpent, and bring hope to a lost world. Sources Bernstein, Aaron. Some Jewish Witnesses for Christ. eBook, 2022. Edersheim, Alfred. The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah. Vol.1. London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1883. Walvoord, John F. and Roy B. Zuck. The Bible Knowledge Commentary An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Old Testament and New Testament. United States of America: Victor Books, 1987. Photo credit: Getty Images/monkeybusinessimages BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. Chinese national security authority warns online office tools, AI tech of risking leaking confidential info 13:43, August 05, 2024 By Global Times ( Global Times Photo: WeChat account from Ministry of State Security China's Ministry of State Security warned those working with confidential information against using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to write confidential materials and chat groups to discuss classified content, saying that numerous cases of data leaks were caused by the use of online office programs in recent years. In recent years, AI writing has flourished and gradually become the "pen" of many office workers. Some personnel handling classified information, in order to save time, illegally input classified materials and content into AI writing programs to generate articles, believing that they are only extracting fragments of documents and will not cause leaks, the ministry wrote in a post on WeChat on Sunday. It warned that those people are unaware that AI programs automatically collect the information input by users for autonomous learning, and the related data can be easily stolen by foreign intelligence agencies, leading to the leakage of national secrets. It also said that some institutions have set up "work groups" on WeChat for the convenience of communication to report and exchange work matters. However, some of those institutions have violated regulations by notifying and discussing confidential contents in these groups, adding that some had even posted content involving state secrets in the form of pictures, files, and etc. in the group chat. The confidential information in these group chats is easily re-posted by group members and even publicly disclosed, and the scope of knowledge cannot be controlled. Foreign intelligence agencies can also obtain chat records of key work groups through network attacks, posing a great risk of leakage of confidential information, said the ministry. The ministry also warned cloud storage software of leaking confidential documents and image recognition app leaked the original confidential documents. In order to prevent similar leakages, the ministry advised people involved in confidential matters not to handle classified information online while working remotely. It is strictly prohibited to process classified information through the internet, and it is forbidden to publish or disseminate classified information online while using office software. (Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun) Stepan Timoshin became a millionaire through sneaker trading. LinkedIn/stepan-timoshin While on vacation in the Maldives, he suddenly falls ill - after examinations, it turns out that Stepan Timoshin (23) has lung cancer. The German self-made millionaire has been living in Switzerland for three years. Vanessa Buchel No time? blue News summarizes for you Self-made millionaire Stepan Timoshin has lung cancer. The 23-year-old was diagnosed after his vacation in the Maldives, where he suddenly developed a bad cough. In March of this year, he began his first course of chemotherapy. As he revealed to Bild.de, it currently looks as if he will have to undergo further treatment. Timoshin became a millionaire through sneaker trading. The German entrepreneur currently lives in Switzerland. Show more He is actually known for never being ill, as Stepan Timoshin tells Bild.de. But in December 2023, everything suddenly changed for the German self-made millionaire. The 23-year-old is on vacation in the Maldives, gets pneumonia and suffers from a "bad cough and pain". He then flies to Dubai, where he is examined. His lungs fail a breath test and initial findings point to a tumor. Back in Germany, Timoshin undergoes further tests and screenings, followed by a shock diagnosis: "I was tested tumor-positive and was diagnosed with cancer," the young entrepreneur tells Bild. "Unfortunately, it looks like I still have to have chemotherapy" Timoshin didn't talk to anyone about his diagnosis and was completely alone with all his worries and the knowledge that he would have to undergo chemotherapy, the newspaper writes. The treatment finally started in March 2024. "I was in a very, very bad way. Nevertheless, I worked every day because I simply have a huge responsibility towards my employees." He also lost a lot of weight, dropping from 95 to 70 kilos. The first treatment is over. But Timoshin says: "Unfortunately, at the moment it looks like I might have to undergo chemotherapy." His favorite club, Hertha BSC, is giving him strength during this difficult time. When he was feeling really bad, it "gave him so much strength" to watch a Hertha BSC game from home, as he couldn't make it to the stadium. Becoming a millionaire with sneakers Stepan Timoshin traded in sneakers as a teenager and made his first million. Today, he runs his own sneaker business called "Vaditim". The successful young entrepreneur emigrated to Switzerland three years ago. Partly because of the taxes, he admits. But he is also simply a fan of the privacy he has here, the structure of his new home and the mindset of the Swiss. He keeps his fans up to date about his life in Switzerland on YouTube. Timoshin moved from Berlin to a "village" with 15,000 inhabitants, as he reveals in one of his videos. More videos from the department ARCHIVE - After an attack with dozens of dead soldiers and Russian mercenaries, Mali breaks off diplomatic relations with Ukraine. Photo: Uncredited/French Military/AP/dpa Keystone Following a rebel attack that left dozens of soldiers and Russian mercenaries dead, Mali has broken off diplomatic relations with Ukraine. This was announced by the Malian transitional government on Sunday evening. SDA A representative of the Ukrainian military intelligence service had previously stated that Kiev had helped the rebel Tuareg in an ambush on a convoy of the Malian army and the Wagner mercenaries supporting them just over a week ago. As a consequence, Mali will in future regard support for Ukraine as support for international terrorism, the statement continued. An unconfirmed photo showing Tuareg fighters with a Ukrainian flag was also circulating on the internet. "They have received the necessary information that enabled them to carry out the successful military operation against the Russian war criminals," said Andriy Yusov on Ukrainian television last week. At the same time, he announced further operations of this kind in Africa. "The monopoly of the Russian private armies in Africa is coming to an end and opposing forces are emerging that can put these criminals in their place," said the intelligence officer. The Russians' heaviest loss in West Africa According to the separatist Tuareg, 84 Russian mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers were killed in several days of fighting at the end of July around the village of Tinzaouatene on the border with Algeria. Some channels close to Wagner also reported more than 80 casualties, the heaviest Russian losses to date in West Africa. The Islamist terrorist group GSIM, which is allied with Al-Qaeda, also attacked the convoy. Whether the Tuareg cooperated with the Islamists is unconfirmed. On Saturday, Mali's neighboring country Senegal summoned the Ukrainian ambassador after the embassy shared a video referring to the attack. Senegal does not tolerate propaganda in support of terrorism, the foreign ministry announced. A few days after the defeat, the Malian army, with help from Burkina Faso, carried out air strikes in the area, hitting an area with illegal gold miners. According to local reports, around 50 people were killed. On Thursday, Mali's Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop spoke on the phone with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. According to Mali, Moscow reaffirmed its support for Bamako and its neighboring countries Burkina Faso and Niger, which are also ruled by coup leaders. SDA Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. Northern Irelands First Minister has called for the prioritising of protecting lives and property and facing down racism. Michelle ONeill was speaking after scenes of violence and disorder followed an anti-immigration protest in Belfast on Saturday. Advertisement Four men appeared in court on Monday to face charges linked to the violence. A vehicle is set alight in Belfast following an anti-Islamic protest outside Belfast City Hall. Photo: David Young/PA. Several businesses were attacked during the violence, which erupted in the city after the protests on Saturday. Business owners have said the Islamic community was deliberately targeted. Advertisement The Alliance Party has called for the recall of the Stormont Assembly to discuss the violent scenes. The bid has been backed by the SDLP who have urged MLAs to come together and reject the violent scenes on the streets of Belfast at the weekend. Ms ONeill said she has spoken to Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Constable Jon Boutcher. There is no place in this society for racism or the attacks on our minority communities which took place at the weekend, she said. Advertisement Today, I spoke to PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher and we agreed that the shared priority is to protect lives and property and face down racism, violence and intimidation. The First Minister and I have spoken with the Chief Constable today. We all stand united in tackling intimidation, disorder and violence and firmly against hate and racism. The vast, vast majority of people throughout NI do likewise. There is no place for thuggery in NI. pic.twitter.com/YdjICqO0pL Emma Little-Pengelly BL (@little_pengelly) August 5, 2024 Advertisement Co-operation between the PSNI and An Garda Siochana is essential so that those responsible for causing and orchestrating the racist violence on Saturday will face the full force of the law. As a Government and as a society we must all work together to deliver a shared, peaceful and inclusive society. Advertisement Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly added: We all stand united in tackling intimidation, disorder and violence and firmly against hate and racism. The vast, vast majority of people throughout NI do likewise. There is no place for thuggery in NI. Stormonts Justice Minister, Naomi Long, said the scenes have been hugely damaging, describing some people as being scared to leave their homes today because of the colour of their skin. 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 number of businesses were damaged during violence in Belfast. Photo: Jonathan McCambridge/PA. The force said it then prevented an attempt by protesters to march to Belfast Islamic Centre, but that sporadic violence broke out in other parts of the city. Three police officers were injured in the disorder and the PSNI has said those involved will be dealt with using the full force of the law. Speaking to the media on Monday, Ms Long said she was absolutely distraught about what happened. These scenes have been broadcast around the globe of the rioting right across the UK and in our main city, she said. Its hugely damaging to our reputation but its also incredibly damaging to our community. We have people in Belfast today who are afraid to go outside of their homes because of the colour of their skin, or because of their religion or because of their perceived background, because theyre afraid that they will be attacked on the streets. Justice Minister Naomi Long hit out at disinformation being spread online. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA. This kind of xenophobia and racism and bigotry isnt acceptable. It is intolerable, and from my perspective when it tips over into violence it is a very serious issue, both for the department of justice and for the police service. Ms Long urged against anyone considering travelling to Northern Ireland to riot. Because if you do, you will be held accountable in front of the courts. You will be pursued. There isnt a free pass to come to Northern Ireland and engage in this kind of behaviour, she said. We need as a community in Northern Ireland to stand against this. We need the political leadership. We need leadership from the PSNI. We need leadership from within our community to say that they do not want this visited on the streets of Belfast. We have experienced violence over the years. We know the damage it can do. We above all should understand the vulnerability of people who are being subjected to this kind of intimidation and its up to all of us to play our part in saying this is not welcome in Northern Ireland. If you engage in it, whether you are from Northern Ireland or from outside Northern Ireland, you will be held accountable. Earlier, Ms Long said if there are any lessons to be learned from the policing operation at the weekend, she has no doubt the PSNI will learn them. She told the BBCs Good Morning Ulster programme: We are already seeing now on social media people making preparations for another round of this this week. This cannot continue, we cannot have this kind of Islamophobia, xenophobia and hatred on our streets. People have a right to an opinion when it comes to immigration, but it needs to be an informed opinion. What we are seeing instead is radicalisation of people online through disinformation and outright lies. It is incredibly dangerous. If there are lessons to be learned around the policing operation I have no doubt whatsoever they will be learned. Northern Ireland Policing Board chairman Mukesh Sharma described the violence as deeply depressing and disturbing Photo: Liam McBurney/PA. Policing Board chairman Mukesh Sharma described the violence in Belfast as deeply depressing and disturbing. As a board, we join in the condemnation of all those who engaged in this disorder, and we welcome police commitments to bring all those responsible to justice, he said. There is no place for hate in our community. We all have a real job of work to do to provide reassurance to the community that the violent actions of a few are not representative of our society. I welcome the increased police engagement at this time with affected and concerned communities, and also trust that all those officers injured in the course of the disorder make a speedy recovery. Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts added: These attacks are despicable and should be condemned. Racism has no place in our community and those behind these attacks should be brought to justice. Our thoughts are with the owners and staff of these businesses going through such a traumatic experience. We hope that the police will learn lessons from last weekend and ensure that these disgraceful racially motivated attacks on business owners are prevented in future. The Northern Ireland Assembly will be recalled later this week to discuss violent scenes after an anti-immigration protest in Belfast. Several businesses were attacked during the violence on Saturday and business owners said the Islamic community was deliberately targeted. Advertisement Four men appeared in court on Monday to face charges linked to the violence. We are aware of social media posts calling for protests across Northern Ireland in the week ahead. Further advice and information can be found here - https://t.co/aSkmhNAtY3 pic.twitter.com/MFqMvMNTqZ Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) August 5, 2024 Advertisement The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said on Monday evening they are aware of social media posts calling for protests across Northern Ireland in the week ahead. The PSNI said officers will monitor the situation and will be engaging with groups likely to be affected by any protests. Advertisement First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said there is no justification for racism or for the violence and intimidation that occurred on our streets on Saturday. A special meeting of Belfast City Council is also set to take place on Monday evening. Earlier, Stormont Speaker Edwin Poots said the Assembly will be recalled at noon on Thursday after a recall petition submitted by the Alliance Party and backed by the SDLP and Sinn Fein. MLAs will discuss a motion condemning criminal damage and targeting of businesses in recent days. Advertisement Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and First Minister Michelle ONeill. Photo: David Young/PA. The motion also calls on Ms ONeill and Ms Little-Pengelly to finalise the draft Refugee Integration Strategy and associated Thematic Delivery Plan and present it to the Executive, and to bring forward the renewed Race Relations Order, and set out the process of replacing the Racial Equality Strategy 2015/25 by the end of 2024. In a joint statement, the two leaders said they had spoken earlier with PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher. Advertisement While people are entitled to take part in peaceful protest there is no justification for racism or for the violence and intimidation that occurred on our streets on Saturday, they said. Today we have spoken to the Chief Constable and offered him our full support and we pledged to work to deliver a shared, peaceful and inclusive society. There must be a zero-tolerance approach to racism and wanton destruction. Nobody should have to live in fear or threat of violence. Again, we would appeal to anyone with information to contact the PSNI. PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA. Stormonts Justice Minister, Naomi Long, said the scenes had been hugely damaging, describing some people as scared to leave their homes because of the colour of their skin. 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 force said it then prevented an attempt by protesters to march to Belfast Islamic Centre, but that sporadic violence broke out in other parts of the city. Three police officers were injured in the disorder and the PSNI said those involved will be dealt with using the full force of the law. Speaking to the media on Monday, Ms Long said she was absolutely distraught about what happened. These scenes have been broadcast around the globe of the rioting right across the UK and in our main city, she said. Justice Minister Naomi Long. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA. Its hugely damaging to our reputation but its also incredibly damaging to our community. We have people in Belfast today who are afraid to go outside of their homes because of the colour of their skin, or because of their religion, or because of their perceived background, because theyre afraid that they will be attacked on the streets. This kind of xenophobia and racism and bigotry isnt acceptable. It is intolerable, and from my perspective when it tips over into violence it is a very serious issue, both for the Department of Justice and for the police service. Ms Long warned anyone considering travelling to Northern Ireland to riot: If you do, you will be held accountable in front of the courts. You will be pursued. There isnt a free pass to come to Northern Ireland and engage in this kind of behaviour. We need as a community in Northern Ireland to stand against this. We need the political leadership. We need leadership from the PSNI. We need leadership from within our community to say that they do not want this visited on the streets of Belfast. A vehicle is set alight in Belfast. Photo: David Young/PA. We have experienced violence over the years. We know the damage it can do. We above all should understand the vulnerability of people who are being subjected to this kind of intimidation and its up to all of us to play our part in saying this is not welcome in Northern Ireland. If you engage in it, whether you are from Northern Ireland or from outside Northern Ireland, you will be held accountable. Earlier, Ms Long told the BBCs Good Morning Ulster programme: We are already seeing now on social media people making preparations for another round of this this week. This cannot continue, we cannot have this kind of Islamophobia, xenophobia and hatred on our streets. People have a right to an opinion when it comes to immigration, but it needs to be an informed opinion. What we are seeing instead is radicalisation of people online through disinformation and outright lies. It is incredibly dangerous. If there are lessons to be learned around the policing operation I have no doubt whatsoever they will be learned. Policing Board chairman Mukesh Sharma described the violence in Belfast as deeply depressing and disturbing. Northern Ireland Policing Board chairman Mukesh Sharma. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA. As a board, we join in the condemnation of all those who engaged in this disorder, and we welcome police commitments to bring all those responsible to justice, he said. There is no place for hate in our community. We all have a real job of work to do to provide reassurance to the community that the violent actions of a few are not representative of our society. I welcome the increased police engagement at this time with affected and concerned communities, and also trust that all those officers injured in the course of the disorder make a speedy recovery. Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts said: These attacks are despicable and should be condemned. Racism has no place in our community and those behind these attacks should be brought to justice. Our thoughts are with the owners and staff of these businesses going through such a traumatic experience. We hope that the police will learn lessons from last weekend and ensure that these disgraceful, racially motivated attacks on business owners are prevented in future. 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. Bangladeshs prime minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and left the country amid widening unrest, a military official has said. The move ends her 15 years in power, and follows weeks of violent protests and clashes with security forces. Advertisement Protesters have stormed Ms Hasinas official residence after demonstrators defied a military curfew to march in the capital, Dhaka. Thousands of people protested against Ms Hasinas government (AP) The protests began peacefully in late June, as students sought an end to a quota system for government jobs, but turned violent after clashes between protesters and police and pro-government activists at Dhaka University. Advertisement The governments attempts to quell the demonstrations with force, curfews and internet shutdowns backfired, prompting further outrage as nearly 300 people were killed and leading to demands for Ms Hasinas resignation. On Sunday, nearly 100 people were killed as the protesters clashed with security officials and the ruling party activists across the country. Protests have roiled the country for weeks (AP) Advertisement Local media showed the embattled leader boarding a military helicopter with her sister. Bangladeshs military chief Gen Waker-uz-Zaman announced plans to seek the presidents guidance on forming an interim government. He promised that the military would stand down, and to launch an investigation into the deadly crackdowns that fuelled outrage against the government. He also asked citizens for time to restore peace. Keep faith in the military, we will investigate all the killings and punish the responsible, Gen Waker-uz-Zaman said. Advertisement I have ordered that no army and police will indulge in any kind of firing. Now, the students duty is to stay calm and help us, he added. News of Ms Hasinas resignation sparked celebrations in Dhaka (AP) Advertisement The 76-year-old Ms Hasina who was the longest-serving female head of government was elected for a fourth consecutive term in a January vote that was boycotted by her main opponents. Thousands of opposition members were jailed in the lead-up to the polls, and the US and the UK denounced the result as not credible, though the government defended it. Ms Hasina had cultivated ties with powerful countries, including both India and China, but under her, relations with United States and other Western nations have come under strain, as they have expressed concerns over human rights violations and press freedoms in the predominantly Muslim nation of 170 million people. Her political opponents have previously accused her of growing increasingly autocratic and called her a threat to the countrys democracy, and many now say the unrest is a result of that authoritarian streak. Ms Hasina arrived in a city in India on the border with Bangladesh in an army helicopter, according to a military official. It is not clear where she will go next. A judge has ruled that Googles search engine has been illegally exploiting its dominance to quash competition and stifle innovation in a decision that could shake up the internet and hobble one of the worlds best-known companies. The decision issued by US District Judge Amit Mehta comes nearly a year after the start of a trial pitting the Justice Department against Google in the countrys biggest antitrust showdown in a quarter of a century. Advertisement After reviewing reams of evidence that included testimony from senior executives at Google, Microsoft and Apple during last years 10-week trial, Judge Mehta issued his decision three months after the two sides presented their closing arguments in early May. After having carefully considered and weighed the witness testimony and evidence, the court reaches the following conclusion: Google is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly, Judge Mehta wrote in his 277-page ruling. Advertisement He said Googles dominance in the search market is evidence of its monopoly. Google enjoys an 89.2% share of the market for general search services, which increases to 94.9% on mobile devices, the ruling said. It represents a major setback for Google and its parent, Alphabet, which had argued that its popularity stemmed from consumers overwhelming desire to use a search engine so good at what it does that it has become synonymous with looking things up online. Advertisement Googles search engine processes an estimated 8.5 billion queries per day worldwide, nearly doubling its daily volume from 12 years ago, according to a recent study from the investment firm BOND. Google will almost certainly appeal against the decision in a process that may land in the Supreme Court. For now, the decision vindicates antitrust regulators at the Justice Department, which filed its lawsuit nearly four years ago while Donald Trump was still president, and has been escalating it efforts to rein in Big Techs power during President Joe Bidens administration. This victory against Google is an historic win for the American people, said attorney general Merrick Garland. Advertisement No company, no matter how large or influential, is above the law. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously enforce our antitrust laws. Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella was one of the Justice Departments star witnesses (Microsoft/PA) The case depicted Google as a technological bully that has methodically thwarted competition to protect a search engine that has become the centrepiece of a digital advertising machine that generated nearly 240 billion dollars (188 billion) in revenue last year. Advertisement Justice Department lawyers argued that Googles monopoly enabled it to charge advertisers artificially high prices while enjoying the luxury of having more time and money to invest in improving the quality of its search engine a lax approach that affected consumers. Google ridiculed the allegations, noting that consumers have historically changed search engines when they become disillusioned with the results they are getting. For instance, Yahoo now a minor player on the internet was the most popular search engine during the 1990s before Google came along. Judge Mehtas conclusion that Google has been running an illegal monopoly sets up another legal phase to determine what sort of changes or penalties should be imposed to reverse the damage and restore a more competitive landscape. The potential outcome could result in a wide-ranging order requiring Google to dismantle some of the pillars of its internet empire or prevent it from shelling out more than 20 billion dollars (15 billion) annually to ensure its search engine automatically answers queries on the iPhone and other internet-connected devices. After the next phase, the judge could conclude only modest changes are required to level the playing field. If there is a significant shake-up, it could be a coup for Microsoft, whose own power was undermined during the late 1990s when the Justice Department targeted the software maker in an antitrust lawsuit accusing it of abusing the dominance of its Windows operating system on personal computers to lock out competition. That case mirrored the one brought against Google in several ways and the result could also echo similarly. Just as Microsofts bruising antitrust battle created distractions and obstacles that opened up more opportunities for Google after its 1998 inception, the decision against Google could be a boon for Microsoft, which already has a market value of more than three trillion dollars (2.3 trillion). At one time, Alphabet was worth more than Microsoft, but now trails its rival with a market value of about two trillion dollars (1.5 trillion). Besides boosting Microsofts Bing search engine, the outcome could damage Google at a critical point that is tilting technology in the age of artificial intelligence. Microsoft and Google are among the early leaders in AI in a battle that could be affected by Judge Mehtas decision. Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella was one of the Justice Departments star witnesses during the testimony that covered his frustration with Google deals with the likes of Apple that made it nearly impossible for the Bing search engine to make any headway, even as Microsoft poured in more than 100 billion dollars in improvements since 2009. You get up in the morning, you brush your teeth and you search on Google, Mr Nadella said at one point in his evidence. Everybody talks about the open web, but there is really the Google web. He also expressed fear that it might take an antitrust crackdown to ensure the situation does not get worse as AI becomes a bigger force in search. Despite my enthusiasm that there is a new angle with AI, I worry a lot that this vicious cycle that Im trapped in could get even more vicious, he told the court. Google still faces other legal threats in the US and abroad. In September, a federal trial is scheduled to begin in Virginia over the Justice Departments allegations that Googles advertising technology constitutes an illegal monopoly. The UK government has called an emergency Cobra meeting while courts stood ready to take cases as a sixth day of disorder saw rioters storm hotels housing asylum seekers. Police clashed with crowds as the escalating violence one week on from the Southport stabbings continued over the weekend across the country. Advertisement Several suspects are due to face charges in court on Monday, as ministers and police chiefs are due to descend on Downing Street for the meeting which will set out the response for the coming days in a bid to clamp down on further unrest. Advertisement Facing the biggest challenge to his premiership so far, UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed the nation on Sunday, telling perpetrators they would regret engaging in far-right thuggery and promising those involved in unrest that they would face the full force of the law. While UK home secretary Yvette Cooper said the courts are on stand-by to ensure swift justice. Four men are due to appear in court in Belfast after violence broke out in Northern Ireland, with others called before magistrates in Merseyside, South Tyneside and Teesside. It comes as one of her predecessors, Priti Patel, said she would not feel safe in some of the areas where violence unfolded and that the racism on display was no different from that of the 1970s and 1980s. Advertisement The Home Office brought in urgent measures on Sunday to make sure mosques were offered extra protection so any threats of more attacks on places of worship could be responded to quickly. A mosque in Middlesbrough was the latest of several to be targeted. (PA Graphics) Advertisement Meanwhile in Rotherham, anti-immigration rioters smashed the windows of the Holiday Inn Express before starting fires. Masked men hurled lengths of wood, chairs and bottles with some spraying fire extinguishers at police officers amid the 700-strong crowd. At least 10 officers were injured, with one knocked unconscious, South Yorkshire Police said. One arrest had already been made and others involved should expect us to be at their doors very soon, the force warned. A similar incident played out at a Holiday Inn hotel in Tamworth on Sunday evening, where reports suggested asylum seekers were also being housed, in a scene which saw fires, smashed windows and missiles being thrown at officers, Staffordshire Police said. Advertisement Earlier in the afternoon, a group of rioters in Middlesbrough smashed the windows of houses and cars and threw objects at officers, with one seen shouting a racial slur and another telling police: Its our f****** country. There were 43 arrests, with crown court and university buildings sustaining significant damage, Cleveland Police said. A chair is launched at police officers outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham (Danny Lawson/PA) Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Police used powers amid disturbances in Bolton to order people to remove face coverings used to disguise or conceal their appearance. The widespread and continued disorder, which broke out in the wake of a knife attack last week which left three girls dead, prompted some MPs to demand Parliament is recalled so the problems can be debated in the Commons, as it was during the 2011 riots. The Government has also faced calls for the army to be called in to quell the unrest but ministers have so far insisted police have the resources needed to respond. Ms Priti told Times Radio: I would not feel safe in some of the areas and communities where weve seen racism and thuggery on our streets. I grew up with people using the P-word against me. Damage at the Holiday Inn Express in Tamworth, Staffordshire, after a mob attacked it on Sunday (Jacob King/PA) And I think some of the individuals that are now involved in this violence, disorder and racism that we are seeing in parts of the country thats no different to the type of racism that I experienced when I was growing up, and I just think that theres no place for that in our amazing country, she added. The Tory MP for Witham in Essex said that claims there is two-tier policing in Britain, where right-wing protests are dealt with more harshly than left-wing ones, are not correct. Broadband internet and mobile data services have been restored across Bangladesh as anti-government protesters vowed to march to the capital to demand the prime ministers resignation. The move follows a weekend of violence that left dozens of people dead, as the military ordered an indefinite curfew. Advertisement Bangladesh's prime minister Sheikh Hasina is facing her biggest political challenge since winning a fourth term in an election boycotted by the main opposition parties in January. Advertisement 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 last month. That triggered more protests demanding accountability from the government, which have grown into calls for Prime Minister Hasina to step down. 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. Advertisement Protesters have called for Sheikh Hasina and her government to stand down (AP) Authorities first shut off mobile internet on Sunday in an attempt to quell the unrest, while the broadband internet stopped working late on Monday morning. This marked the second internet blackout in the country after the protests turned deadly in July. The military-imposed curfew went into effect on 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. Advertisement The government also announced a holiday from Monday to Wednesday. Courts were to be closed indefinitely. Mobile internet services were cut off, and Facebook and messaging apps, including WhatsApp, were inaccessible on Monday. Bangladesh has previously shut down internet services in areas affected by protests, using it as a measure to suppress dissent by opposition parties. Internet watchdog Access Now said it recorded three shutdowns in the country in 2023, all of which overlapped with opposition rallies and were limited in scope to one city or district. That came after six shutdowns in 2022. Advertisement Demonstrations have taken place over the government jobs quota system (AP) Ms 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 the prime ministers resignation showed that the protests have been taken over by the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the now-banned Jamaat-e-Islami party. 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. Over the weekend, 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 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 the violence crested, the countrys supreme court ruled that the veterans quota must be cut to 5 per cent, with 93 per cent of jobs to be allocated on merit. Nationwide clashes have left dozens dead (AP) The remaining 2 per cent 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 governments use of force. Ms Hasinas administration has blamed the opposition parties and their student wings for instigating the 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 coordinator refused and demanded her resignation. She 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 Ms Hasina, who has ruled the country for more than 15 years. She returned to power for a fourth consecutive term in January in an election that was boycotted by her main opponents. Several online brokerage firms including Charles Schwab, Fidelity and Vanguard appeared to be down for thousands of users early on Monday, during one of the biggest stock markets sell-offs of 2024. Some frustrated customers online said that they were unable to log in or access their account balances. Advertisement Due to a technical issue, some clients may have difficulty logging in to Schwab platforms, Charles Schwab said on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday. Please accept our apologies as our teams work to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Due to a technical issue, some clients may have difficulty logging in to Schwab platforms. Please accept our apologies as our teams work to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Hold times may be longer than usual. Advertisement Charles Schwab Corp (@CharlesSchwab) August 5, 2024 Schwab later said the issue had been resolved. Advertisement A Fidelity spokesman told The Associated Press that the company was aware of some customers experiencing intermittent issues earlier in the day, but said that this is now resolved. At its peak, Charles Schwab saw nearly 15,000 outage reports from users, according to data from outage tracker Downdetector. Fidelity and Vanguard saw another 3,800 and 2,900, respectively. User reports appeared to fall notably for all three platforms an hour later, but timelines for full recovery were not immediately known for Schwab and Vanguard. UK prime minister Keir Starmer vowed rioters would regret engaging in far-right thuggery after a sixth day of escalating violence across England as the UK government announced emergency security for mosques amid the threat of further disorder. In a televised address to the nation, Mr 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. Advertisement Speaking from Downing Street, he suggested rioters taking to the streets, and those whipping up this action online and then running away themselves, would face consequences. Advertisement Meanwhile, the UK 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, the Prime Minister said on Sunday. Advertisement 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. Mr Starmer 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement It comes after 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 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. At least 10 officers were injured, including one who was knocked unconscious, South Yorkshire Police confirmed later, saying one person was already arrested and others involved should expect us to be at their doors very soon. Another Holiday Inn in Tamworth was later targeted, with Staffordshire Police warning people to stay away from the unrest after one officer was injured. Specialist drone surveillance and the national police air service have been sweeping the area as part of efforts to identify those involved, a spokesperson said. 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. UK home secretary Yvette Cooper said the deliberate torching of a hotel where people were known to be inside was utterly appalling and police have government backing to take the strongest action. Yvette Cooper speaks to the media at the Home Office in central London following violent disorder in parts of the UK (Elena Giuliano/PA) 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. Axel Rudakubana, a 17-year-old from Lancashire, 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. A police car burns as officers are deployed on the streets of Hartlepool following a violent protest (Owen Humphreys/PA) 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. In his message to rioters, he 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. It comes after far-right agitator Tommy Robinson was accused of stoking tensions from afar after he promoted a pro-UK rally and appeared to defend the unrest on social media while on holiday abroad. 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. The widespread unrest poses the biggest challenge yet to Mr Starmers premiership, with MPs including Ian Byrne and Priti Patel saying the UK parliament should be recalled as it was in 2011 so the Commons could debate the riots. Ministers have so far insisted police have the resources they need to respond and insisted that despite plans to release some offenders from prison early, there is capacity to hand custodial sentences to violent rioters. But 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 chair of the federation Brian Booth 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. Conservative leader Rishi Sunak said the scenes had nothing to do with the tragedy in Southport and warned that violent, criminal behaviour has no place in our society. Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions, said extra lawyers had been drafted in over the weekend and would continue to work round the clock to ensure justice is served. He has directed prosecutors to make immediate charging decisions where key evidence is in place and they are doing so, he said. I am determined that we will act swiftly and robustly, giving the courts maximum ability to pass sentences that reflect what has occurred. Tropical Storm Debby has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane as it approaches Florida. Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center in Miami said on Sunday evening the storm had maximum sustained winds of 75mph. Advertisement 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. Forecasters warned that heavy amounts of rain could bring catastrophic flooding in Florida, South Carolina and Georgia. A vehicle drives through a flooded street as Tropical Storm Debby approaches Florida. (Dylan Townsend/Tampa Bay Times via AP) Advertisement A tornado watch was also in place for parts of Florida and Georgia until 6am on Monday. Right now, we are trying secure everything from floating away, said Sheryl Horne, whose family owns the Shell Island Fish Camp along the Wakulla River in St Marks, Florida, where some customers moved their boats inland. Debby was expected to move eastward over northern Florida and then stall over the coastal regions of Georgia and South Carolina, thrashing the region with potential record-setting rains totalling up to 76 centimetres beginning Tuesday local time Officials also warned of a life-threatening storm surge along Floridas Gulf Coast, with six to 10 feet of inundation expected Monday between the Ochlockonee and Suwannee rivers. Advertisement Theres some really amazing rainfall totals being forecast and amazing in a bad way, Michael Brennan, director of the hurricane centre, said at a briefing. 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. Governor Ron DeSantis Gives Update on Tropical Storm Debby at State Emergency Operations Center https://t.co/WIOX7g7qUP Advertisement Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) August 4, 2024 Flooding impacts could last until Friday and are expected to be especially severe in low-lying areas near the coast. North Carolina officials were monitoring the storms progress. Advertisement Officials in Savannah said the area could see a months worth of rain in four days if the system stalls over the region. At a briefing on Sunday afternoon, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis warned that the storm could lead to really, really significant flooding that will happen in North Central Florida. He said it would follow a similar track to Hurricane Idalia but would be much wetter. We are going to see much more inundation. Tropical storms and hurricanes can trigger river flooding and overwhelm drainage systems and canals. Mr DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 61 of Floridas 67 counties, with the National Guard activating 3,000 guard members. Utility crews from in and out of state were ready to restore power after the storm, he said in a post on X. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster also made their own emergency declarations. Anyone whipping up violence online will face the full force of the law, Sir Keir Starmer has said, as the Technology Secretary said social media firms providing a platform for this hate must go further in tackling it. Downing Street also condemned Elon Musk for claiming civil war is inevitable in the UK, and suggested that online misinformation fuelling disorder on Britains streets may be being amplified by foreign state actors. Advertisement After chairing an emergency Cobra meeting on Monday morning, the Prime Minister stressed that the criminal law applies online as well as offline. Advertisement The police, Home Office, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the National Crime Agency are working to tackle criminality online and to ensure people are prosecuted for online criminal activity, according to a read-out of the Westminster gathering. The UK prime ministers spokesman told reporters: Anyone who stokes this violence, whether on the internet or in person, can be prosecuted and face prison. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said the Government is working with social media giants to ensure they are not promoting inflammatory content. In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Kyle said: The internet cannot be a haven for those looking to sow division in our communities. Responsibility for harmful social media content principally rests with the individuals and groups who create it. Advertisement But it is undeniable that social media has provided a platform for this hate. We have been clear with these companies they also have a responsibility not to peddle the harm of those who seek to damage and divide our society, and we are working closely with them to ensure they meet that responsibility. The internet cannot be a haven for those looking to sow division in our communities. Read the statement from Technology Secretary @peterkyle below: pic.twitter.com/s5fvC5DdrQ Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (@SciTechgovuk) August 5, 2024 Advertisement No 10 also warned that action by social media firms to tackle harmful material doesnt go far enough. Sir Keirs spokesman said: The Government is working with social media platforms to ensure that they are removing content quickly, that their processes are in place. Advertisement But there is more that they can and should be doing, as I think the Prime Minister has said, to counter misleading and inflammatory material hosted on their platforms. They have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their users and online spaces to ensure that criminal activity is not being posted on their platforms. They shouldnt be waiting for the Online Safety Act for that. UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer warned against illegal online activities related to the rioting and disorder (Henry Nicholls/PA) Downing Street also denounced X owner Mr Musk for saying civil war is inevitable in response to a post on Sunday sharing footage of the violence. Theres no justification for comments like that, Sir Keirs spokesman said. Were talking about a minority of thugs who dont speak for Britain. No 10 criticised X owner Elon Musk for saying civil war is inevitable in response to a post on Sunday sharing footage of the violence. Photo: Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA. Authorities are working to crack down on misinformation and bot activity, which may be being amplified by hostile state actors, No 10 said. Clearly we have seen bot activity online, much of which may well be amplified with the involvement of state actors amplifying some of the disinformation and misinformation that weve seen. And that is something that the NCA and DSIT are looking at in relation to what weve seen online. I obviously cant get into more detail than that, but it is clearly something that is being looked at. The official declined to get into more detail on which states may be behind it, but added that it is clearly something that is being looked at. Advertisement Review Eating outBrighton-Le-Sands Cancel that Greek island resort holiday; come to this new waterfront restaurant instead A meal at Peter Conistis Ammos soon turns into a joyful feast of dishes many of us grew up loving. Terry Durack August 6, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 1 / 6 The room is a Greek island moodboard in tones of stone and bone. James Brickwood 2 / 6 Go-to dish: shellfish saganaki. Once the shells open in the oven, ouzo cream and sheep-milk feta are added. James Brickwood 3 / 6 Spanakopita of leeks, greens and feta, baked in a cast-iron pan. James Brickwood 4 / 6 Yemista, little stuffed vegetables baked in a tomato-y sauce that tastes of ancient times. James Brickwood 5 / 6 The thick, juicy lamb tomahawk, from the dedicated lamb menu. James Brickwood 6 / 6 Raspberry tart with honey yoghurt, loukoumi and strawberry ice-cream. James Brickwood Previous Slide Next Slide Good Food hat 15.5 / 20 How we score Greek$$$$ Theres nothing quite like lounging around on a Greek island, staring out to sea and occasionally ordering more pita bread. With the brain on island time, the only important thing in life is whether to order another glass of assyrtiko. Somehow, a very big Greek restaurant has magically appeared in a Novotel hotel in Brighton-Le-Sands, destined to sweep you away to whichever Greek island has stolen your heart Mykonos, Paros, Rhodes or Santorini. Go-to dish: shellfish saganaki with rice-shaped kritharaki pasta, ouzo and feta. James Brickwood Advertisement By day, Ammos overlooks Norfolk Island pines framing the blue waters of Botany Bay. The restaurant and its broad terrace are bordered by an azure swimming pool and rows of poolside cabanas, ready for summer. Come nightfall, the focus is on the warmth of the open kitchen and flames of the open grill; the marble display of shellfish, whole fish and lemons; the ouzo trolley; and the chalk-white Greek cheeses, seemingly cut from the Doric columns of the Parthenon. Its the food so many of us grew up loving pita bread and house-made dips, grilled octopus, kakavia (fishermans soup), and lamb. And the dealmaker? Peter Conistis is in the kitchen, looking as if he has just come home. Peter Conistis! Since opening Cosmos in Darlinghurst in 1993, he has explored every aspect of Greek regional and contemporary cuisine at Elenis (1997), Omega (2004), Alpha (2013) and Ploos (2022) restlessly pushing to be more creative, to make his mark. Exclusive Sydneys pioneer of modern Greek food reveals his new project Advertisement But Ammos is personal. His mother Eleni (85, and still going strong) said, Why dont you just showcase the food you have grown up loving? And so he has. Luckily, its the food so many of us grew up loving, too pita bread and house-made dips, grilled octopus, kakavia (fishermans soup), and lamb. So much lamb. Theres a dedicated menu of five different lamb dishes, including a spectacular pot-roasted Margra lamb neck with moussaka flavours ($90). Joined by astute venue manager Kosta Lambroglou and award-winning sommelier John Clancy, Conistis is in his element, with long-term head chef James Roberts tending the Josper ovens and grills. The room is a Greek island moodboard, brought to life by Paul Papadopoulos from DS17 Creative Agency, with straw baskets and water vessels in tones of stone and bone, playing off potted olive trees and woven lampshades. Spanakopita of leeks, greens and feta with a scrunchy lid of filo pastry. James Brickwood Advertisement A meal here soon turns into a feast, with recurring themes of rigani, feta, seafood, lamb and lemon. A tumble of dusky gavros ($16) plump, deep-fried Greek anchovies served with ouzo mayonnaise for swiping. Spanakopita ($28) of leeks, greens and feta, baked in a cast-iron pan with a scrunchy filo top browned in the oven. An icy Fix lager ($14). A lively 2023 Papagiannakos assyrtiko ($19). Yemistes ($26), little stuffed vegetables baked in a tomato-y sauce that tastes of ancient times. Gorgeous whipped feta ($14) and pita bread ($8). Rustic horiatiki salad anchored by a slab of feta ($24). King George whiting ($42) comes whole, split and deboned, simply cooked on the wood grill and finished with Greek olive oil and rigani (Greek oregano), and served on fried vine leaves. A giant lamb tomahawk ($56) is thick and meaty, with celeriac skordalia and more rigani, more lemon. Crowning glory is the shellfish saganaki ($36), a cast-iron pan filled with large Kinkawooka mussels, diamond shell clams and Goolwa pipis rising from a bed of swollen kritharaki pasta, wads of baby spinach in a sauce of tomatoes, leeks, saffron and ouzo. Once the shells open in the heat of the wood-fired oven, ouzo cream and sheep-milk feta are added. I cant get enough of it. Raspberry tart with honey yoghurt, loukoumi and strawberry ice-cream. James Brickwood Advertisement Desserts are pretty; the lightest being a raspberry tart ($20) freshly filled with fruit, honey yoghurt, jubes of loukoumi, and a fabulous strawberry ice-cream. This is the first restaurant of several to open in this revitalised hotel precinct, including a more casual taverna-style venue from Conistis. By summer, Ammos will become the place to be. A celebration of Australias migrant story, of Greek cuisine, of fire and islands and shellfish, and of one of our more enduring chefs, it brings joy. The low-down Vibe: Cancel that Greek island resort holiday; come here instead Go-to dish: Shellfish saganaki, $36 Drinks: Mythos and Fix lagers, Grecian sours and a Greek-led wine list from sommelier John Clancy Cost: About $160 for two, plus drinks Our city does this dining experience better than most places in the world, except maybe Paris, writes Besha Rodell. 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. Share On a recent rainy weekend afternoon, a young, elegantly dressed couple sat in the window of Mon Ami in Fitzroy, holding hands over glasses of red wine. The room dark wood, lace curtains, specials scrawled on a well-worn blackboard was cosy, all five tables occupied. As always, the restaurant had only two workers, the chef, John Langevad, sequestered in his tiny kitchen, and his wife and waitress/hostess/bartender Ulla working the front of the house. For 21 years Mon Ami has operated this way, the couple serving a menu of classic French dishes, with a particular focus on duck. The place is dripping in charm. There is no wine list. Instead, you can peruse a wall of wine at the back of the restaurant, during which time youre likely to strike up a conversation with whoever is sitting closest its cosiness encourages sociability. Husband-and-wife team John and Ulla Langevad at Mon Ami in Fitzroy. Luis Enrique Ascui When I mention the restaurant to people, they often say, Oh, is that the place on Nicholson Street? Theyve noticed the awning from the 96 tram, for instance, and maybe wondered about it. But theyve never heard anything much about the place, so it exists only as a passing curiosity. Mon Ami rarely gets written up on lists of Melbournes best French restaurants, which is perhaps because its fallen comfortably into its role as a neighbourhood staple the type of place where the regulars are loyal and new customers are rare and also because Langevads cooking is neither completely old-school nor new and trendy, falling somewhere in between. But Mon Ami does something quite magical, something that I notice in many of Melbournes mid-tier, under-sung French restaurants but which Ive not seen anywhere else in the world: It channels Paris in an almost astonishing way. Advertisement The City of Light is full of restaurants like Mon Ami: tiny, run by a couple or a family, romantic but not chic, not particularly ambitious or exciting but nevertheless lovely and comforting. These are not places that wind up on lists for travellers youre much more likely to stumble onto them by accident, or on the recommendation of a friend, who might quantify their endorsement with something like, Its not wildly impressive, but its quintessential to the neighbourhood and I adore it. France-Soir transports diners to a neighbourhood bistro in Paris. Simon Schluter In Melbourne, France-Soir is probably the best known of these types of restaurants in my recent review of the 38-year-old South Yarra stalwart I wrote, This really does feel like a neighbourhood bistro in Paris, right down to the uneven cooking. But many other, lesser-known spots perform this same magic trick, transporting diners to France in a way that feels miraculous. Many of Melbournes mid-tier French restaurants channel Paris in an almost astonishing way. In Carlton, Paris Go has been operating since 1993. (Im told Paris go is French slang for busy Parisians, always on the go.) On weekend nights its double-fronted dining room, with its white tablecloths and vintage French posters, is packed with in-the-know regulars. Advertisement Again, the wonder of this place is in the details that put it squarely in a Parisian neighbourhood: the menus, sleeved in plastic; the waiters, all French and a tad aloof; the menu, full of dishes that are standards in France but arent as easy to find here. The French onion soup is a bit underwhelming, just as it was when I had it on a rainy afternoon in Paris at a random bistro I stopped into with my father two decades ago, but many other dishes are done very well. The seafood quenelles in prawn sauce, the assiette froide (a plate of silky cured ocean trout, chicken liver pate and pork and veal terrine), the grilled sardines with olive oil, all channel the deep pleasure of eating in Paris at an un-trendy but beloved-by-locals bistro. Chef Cesar Henry at Ouest France Bistro in Mornington. Wayne Taylor The same is true of Franco-Belge in Hawthorn East, Chez Bob in Armadale, Ouest France in Mornington and countless other unassuming spots that lack grandeur or vogueishness but do what they do exceptionally well. The mystery of these places is how they can remain so popular while also flying under the radar why, in this food-obsessed city, do we ignore these neighbourhood favourites? Are we ashamed to admit that sometimes we want the comfort of the familiar, rather than the new and shiny? Are we still afraid that our tastes are perhaps a bit quotidian, rather than always fresh, always modern, always cutting-edge? Melbournes traditional French bistros, such as Chez Bob (pictured), have Besha Rodells heart. Advertisement When it comes to French food, I suppose comfort isnt the first thing that comes to mind. We want elegance, grandeur, pomp! And many restaurants in Melbourne deliver that kind of French experience you can find them on all of those best French restaurants lists Ive been scouring recently. I adore those spots, too, when Im in the mood for a sense of occasion. But more often you can find me tucked into a table at Mon Ami, pretending Im in Paris, feeling utterly transported. The canard et truffe (duck with truffle) dish at Mon Ami restaurant in Fitzroy. Luis Enrique Ascui Melbournes great mid-tier, under-sung French bistros Mon Ami Tiny charming corner storefront serving French and Scandinavian dishes with a few different preparations of duck. 144 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy, monamirestaurant.com.au Paris Go White tablecloths, mildly annoyed French waiters, good cooking, cold sancerre. 116 Rathdowne Street, Carlton, parisgo.com.au Chez Bob Classic French menu, charming courtyard. 22 Beatty Avenue, Armadale, chezbobsite.wordpress.com Franco-Belge All the standards like escargot and French onion soup, but also Flemish beef casserole and a variety of mussel preparations. 9 Evans Place, Hawthorn East, francobelge.com.au Bistro Thierry It says it right on the website: the owners set out to create a culinary museum. The walls, crowded with French prints, the classic bistro menu, and the lively feel of the place do just that. 511 Malvern Road, Toorak, bistrothierry.com Bon Ap Petit Bistro This place channels places in Paris that Id categorise as more touristy, but channel them it does. Daily happy hour ($12 champagne!), more casual atmosphere. 193 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, bonap.com.au Ouest France Opened in 2022 by a France-Soir alum originally from Brittany, this tiny Mornington Peninsula bistro is as charming as they come. 180 Main Street, Mornington, ouestfrance.com.au The classic bistro dish, steak frites, from Mornington bistro Ouest France. Wayne Taylor Read more From Paris with love: Five foodie Francophiles share their dining, bakery and fromagerie favourites Police have shot a man at a home in Toowoomba, 132 kilometres west of Brisbane. The incident occurred at a house on Ruthven Street in North Toowoomba about 5pm. The man has been taken to Toowoomba Hospital for treatment. It is understood two police officers suffered minor injuries during the incident. They were treated at the scene. The CFMEUs Queensland branch has declared its members feel no affinity with the Labor Party, labelling the federal and state governments push to put it into administration a full-frontal attack on workers. In Brisbane, CFMEU members have been on strike for several weeks over frozen EBA negotiations on the Cross River Rail construction site, as criminal allegations against senior union officials in Victoria and NSW forced government intervention. The broadside from CFMEU Queensland state secretary Michael Ravbar on Monday comes less than three months out from the October 26 state election, heaping more pressure on Premier Steven Miles when Labor is trailing the Liberal National Party opposition in polling. The thread of kinship with the Labor Party has been forever broken, Ravbar said on Monday. Australias top pain specialists have challenged the need for invasive surgery to diagnose and treat endometriosis as they question whether the lesions are a leading cause of womens pain. The Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists argued that a focus on endometriosis and laparoscopies actually delayed effective treatment and called on governments to fund evidence-based pain services instead. The long-held paradigm that endometriosis lesions are a direct cause of [persistent pelvic pain] is no longer tenable, the faculty said in a new professional statement sent to its 470 fellows last month and provided to The Age. Leah Filley has had debilitating pelvic pain since she was 13 and welcomed the facultys statement. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui It is the facultys first statement on endometriosis and pelvic pain to guide medical practitioners and help the government prioritise spending. London: Foreign states may be involved in fuelling a wave of riots thats hit the UK in the past week, Keir Starmers government said, as the prime minister promised to crack down on perpetrators with the full force of the law. The premier on Monday held a so-called Cobra meeting of senior ministers, police and prison chiefs to coordinate the response to anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim riots that led to hundreds of arrests over the last week. Afterward, he told broadcasters that authorities agreed to mobilise a standing army of police officers to deal with the disorder. Riot police detain an anti-migration protester outside of the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, which is being used as an asylum hotel in Rotherham, United Kingdom. Credit: Getty Images Starmers spokesman, Dave Pares, told reporters that social media firms must do more to respond to online hate, and also slammed a post on X by Elon Musk that civil war is inevitable in the UK, saying there was no justification for the billionaires remark. Washington: Australia has finally been granted access to the US global entry program, making it easier for hundreds of thousands of travellers to visit America every year. From January 2025, Australia will join a list of countries such as Singapore, Canada, Germany and the UK, whose citizens currently enjoy expedited entry into America. A US Customs and Border Protection officer checks the passport and paperwork of a visitor at Los Angeles International Airport. Credit: AP This is about ensuring that Australians who do business here in the US, who are frequent travellers here, are able to access the United States much more easily, reducing the cost of doing business, said Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who is in Washington for the latest Australian-US ministerial dialogue. Its a really important contribution to the economic and people-to-people aspect of our relationship. Jayapura, Indonesia: Gunmen stormed a helicopter and killed its New Zealand pilot shortly after it landed in Indonesias restive Papua region on Monday, and they released two health workers and two children it was carrying, police said. Glen Malcolm Conning, a pilot for Indonesian aviation company PT Intan Angkasa Air Service, was shot to death by gunmen allegedly with the West Papua Liberation Army, the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement, after landing in Alama, a remote village in Mimika district of Central Papua province, said Faizal Ramadhani, a National Police member who heads the joint security peace force in Papua. Bayu Suseno, a spokesperson for the Cartenz 2024 Peace Task Force, holds a portrait of Glen Malcolm Conning, a pilot for Indonesian aviation company PT Intan Angkasa Air Service. Credit: AP He said the gunmen released the Indigenous Papuan passengers and set fire to the plane. All passengers were safe because they were local residents of Alama village, said Ramadhani, adding that the village is in a mountainous district which can be reached only by helicopter. A joint security force was deployed to search for the attackers, who ran into the dense jungle. North Korea acknowledged an "explosive" outbreak of COVID-19 for the first time. (Photo: KCNA via REUTERS) North Korea announced the deployment of 250 new tactical ballistic missile launchers near its border with South Korea. This move marks the latest in a series of aggressive postures by Kim Jong Un, the country's leader, as tensions continue to rise on the Korean Peninsula. Photographs released by North Korean state newspaper Rodong Sinmun revealed rows of vehicle-based missile launchers, with large green military trucks displayed in a meticulously orchestrated ceremony in Pyongyang on Sunday night. Spectators cheered as the vehicles rolled past, and fireworks illuminated the sky in celebration. Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the transfer of the equipment to military commanders and delivered a speech emphasizing North Korea's readiness for confrontation. "Dialogue or confrontation can be our choice, but what we must be more thoroughly prepared for is confrontation," Kim declared. He warned that if the United States continued to undermine regional security, it would face dire consequences. The border between North and South Korea is already one of the most heavily militarized in the world. Pyongyang's latest display of military hardware comes during a summer of heightened tensions, exacerbated by North Korea's recent military "strategic partnership" with Russia. While the photos from the ceremony showed numerous missile launchers, it remains unclear if the vehicles were equipped with functioning missiles. Joseph Dempsey, a research associate for defense and military analysis at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, noted the difficulty in assessing whether any missiles were loaded during the event, adding that it would be "unlikely and illogical based on practicality and safety." Dempsey suggested that the launchers might be associated with the Hwasong-11D, a short-range ballistic missile that North Korea claims can be armed with a tactical nuclear warhead. However, the actual operational capacity of these launchers and the number of tactical nuclear warheads North Korea possesses remain unverified. Since its first nuclear test over a decade ago, North Korea has advanced its weapons capabilities, striving to miniaturize warheads to fit on long-range missiles. Although experts believe North Korea has likely developed a small stockpile of nuclear warheads, it is still uncertain whether these can be effectively deployed on missiles. North Korea's actions follow a pattern of escalating military activity. Late last year, Pyongyang warned it would deploy new military hardware along the military demarcation line separating it from South Korea, after Seoul partially withdrew from a 2018 agreement aimed at easing border tensions. Any goodwill from that agreement has since dissipated, with both nations officially abandoning it. In response to North Korea's military buildup, the United States, South Korea, and Japan have intensified their military cooperation through exercises and deployments, which Pyongyang views as provocations. Recent months have seen multiple incidents of South Korea firing warning shots at North Korean military personnel crossing the demarcation line. During Sunday's event, Kim called for an expansion of North Korea's nuclear program, stating that the new missile launchers would provide "overwhelming" firepower against South Korea and enhance the operational efficiency of tactical nuclear weapons. State media photographs depicted lines of army-green launcher trucks and thousands of spectators, highlighting the significance of the occasion. Kim justified the military buildup as a necessary countermeasure to what he described as the "outrageous" military cooperation between the United States and its regional allies. He framed the confrontation with the U.S. as an enduring struggle that would span generations, underscoring the need for North Korea to continuously strengthen its defense capabilities. Despite the country's ongoing recovery from severe flooding in late July, which submerged thousands of homes and farmland near the Chinese border, Kim stressed North Korea's determination to bolster its defense capabilities under any circumstances. The floods prompted Russia to offer aid, reflecting the growing ties between the two nations. Another big-ticket transaction is brewing in the healthcare sector, with US-based private equity (PE) firm Blackstone in talks with the Moopen family, the promoters of BSE-listed Aster DM Healthcare, to merge its 5,000-bed unlisted hospital chain, Quality Care India, with Aster, according to a source familiar with the discussions. If successful, the American PE firm is likely to hold a majority stake in the merged entity. Quality Care India (QCIL), the unlisted entity, is valued at around Rs 16,826 crore ($2 billion) by bankers, while Asters total market valuation was Rs 18,424 crore as of Monday on The Rajasthan government is planning to bring an investor-friendly industrial policy soon, according to an industry department official. The process of formulating a new industrial policy by the state government is underway. This will provide new employment opportunities to the youth, the official said. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp He said the new Industrial Policy-2024 would be based on ease of business and sustainability. The new policy will aim to set up theme-based industrial parks and hassle-free goods transportation. The industry contributes around 24 per cent of the state GDP. The policy will also promote the use of green technology and research and development. Besides, a Rajasthan Petro Zone (RPZ) has been planned in Balotra along with a defence manufacturing hub. A search for the area where it is going to be established has already been started, the official added. To attract global companies to the state, an Amrit Global Technology and Application Centre in Jaipur would be set up at a cost of Rs 200 crore. This would be a single-window set up to attract investment from global companies. The official said that as part of the policy, infrastructure facilities would be improved at a textile park in Bhilwara, a ceramic park in Bikaner, an industrial and logistical hub near BandikuiDausa, a solar panel manufacturing park in Kankani/RohatPali, a biomass pellet and chemical manufacturing park in Banswara, a tiles manufacturing park in KishangarhAjmer and a handicrafts Park in Jodhpur. This, he said, would give a boost to new investments in these parks once the facilities become world class. Besides, a sum of over Rs 175 crore is planned to be incurred on improving infrastructure facilities in Rajasthan State Industrial & Development Corporation (RIICO) industrial areas. Good news for Indian techies in the US! An appeals court has upheld a federal rule allowing spouses of H-1B visa holders to work in the United States. This decision comes from a three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, which dismissed the challenge brought forth by Save Jobs USA, a group representing US-born tech workers. The court's ruling affirmed a lower court's decision, ensuring that the "Employment Authorization for Certain H-4 Dependent Spouses" regulation, established during the Obama administration, remains in effect. Key points: Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implemented the rule in 2015 under President Obama. It allows certain spouses of H-1B visa holders to work in the US. Legal challenge: Save Jobs USA appealed against a March 2023 ruling in favour of the regulation. Courts justification: The appeals court cited precedent, ruling in favour of DHSs authority. Leading tech companies and business groups backed the regulation. What are the H-1B and H-4 visas? H-1B visa explained The H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant work visa that allows US employers to hire foreign workers with specialised skills. These roles typically require a bachelors degree or higher. H-1B visa holders often work in fields such as technology, engineering, finance, and architecture. The visa is essential for the US tech industry, which relies on highly skilled foreign professionals. H-4 visa explained The H-4 visa is granted to dependents of H-1B visa holders, specifically their spouses and unmarried children under 21. This visa allows them to accompany the primary visa holder to the US and reside there for the duration of the primary visa holder's stay. In certain circumstances, H-4 visa holders can also apply for work authorisation, allowing them to seek employment in the US. Eligibility for H-4 Visa To be eligible for an H-4 visa, applicants must: Be the spouse or unmarried child under 21 of an H-1B visa holder. Have a primary visa holder in valid status. Demonstrate financial support from the primary visa holder. Have no criminal record. Cost and process of H-4 visa The government filing fee for an H-4 visa is $205. The process involves determining eligibility, collecting required documents, completing the application, scheduling and attending a visa interview, and receiving the visa upon approval. Why was the challenge raised? Save Jobs USA, representing US-born tech workers, argued that the DHS lacked the authority to allow H-4 spouses to work in the US. They first filed a lawsuit against the H-4 employment authorisation rule in 2015, which was paused during the Trump administration. The group contended that the rule threatened US jobs and should be rescinded. The court, however, noted that the case was similar to previous litigation involving Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students. The court had previously interpreted the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) in favour of DHS's authority to regulate employment conditions for visa holders. "Save Jobs USA failed to provide a meaningful distinction between their case and the precedent, leading the court to uphold the district court's summary judgment in favour of DHS," news agency Reuters reported. Save Jobs USA argued that Supreme Court ruling in the Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo case, which curtailed the powers of federal agencies, should affect their lawsuit. The Supreme Court decision ended the practice of "Chevron deference," where courts deferred to federal agencies' interpretations of ambiguous laws they enforce. The DC Circuit court acknowledged the Supreme Court ruling but stated that their previous decision did not solely rely on Chevron deference. They had also found that federal law clearly authorised the DHS rule in question. Therefore, the Supreme Court's ruling did not impact the appeals court's decision to uphold the H-4 employment authorisation regulation. Support from tech companies Leading tech companies and business organisations strongly supported the H-4 rule. Companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft filed briefs with the lower court, arguing that allowing H-4 spouses to work would benefit the US economy. They contended that eliminating H-4 work authorisation would negatively impact US gross domestic product and push talent and innovation to other countries. According to Reuters, the business community said that allowing H-4 spouses to work would encourage H-1B workers to seek permanent residency (green cards), making it easier for companies to retain highly skilled employees. This retention is important for maintaining the competitiveness and innovation of the US tech industry, they said. Impact on Indian skilled workers The courts decision has significant implications for the US tech industry and its ability to attract and retain highly skilled foreign workers. By allowing H-4 spouses to work, the regulation helps create a more favourable environment for H-1B visa holders, who might otherwise be reluctant to move to the US without their spouses having the opportunity to work. The leading users of H-1B visas are Indian outsourcing firms. In 2021, half of the top thirty employers of H-1B visa holders were specifically outsourcing firms. Hence, this move is likely to benefit spouse of the H-1B visa holders. Good news for Indians! British nationals and permanent residents will no longer need to earn at least Rs 41.5 lakh annually to bring family members to the UK. The planned increase in the minimum income threshold has been shelved by the new Labour Party government. This move, which would have impacted many Indian families, was initially introduced by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to reduce record immigration figures. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp No immediate changes UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced to the House of Commons that there will be no further increase on the current 29,000 (approx Rs 31,16,757) annual income requirement until the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) completes a review on the impact of these hikes on families. Cooper said in a written statement, The family immigration rules, including the minimum income requirement, need to balance respect for family life with ensuring the UKs economic wellbeing. The MAC has also been tasked with reviewing the reliance of key sectors on international recruitment, especially in IT and engineering, which significantly rely on talent from countries like India. As a first step, I am commissioning the MAC to review the reliance of key sectors on international recruitment, particularly IT and engineering, Cooper explained. Impact on Indian Families As part of a package of measures to curb migration in December last year, the then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak led Conservative government had announced that from April this year, the minimum salary or income required by British nationals to sponsor long-term Family Visas for spouses or parents will rise from GBP 18,600 to GBP 29,000 and then be followed by further increases to GBP 38,700 in line with the minimum income requirement for the Skilled Worker Visa route. The planned hike had raised concerns among analysts about its potential impact on lower-income families. Simran Brar, Partner at Karanjawala & Co, pointed out the contrast between the UK's stringent policies and more flexible rules in countries like the USA, Canada, and Australia. For example, students with F-1 visas can apply for dependents (spouse and children) to get F-2 visas. Canada and Australia also allow international graduates to work for 2 to 4 years post-graduation, Brar explained. Aritra Ghosal, Founder and Director of OneStep Global, stressed on the importance of considering the broader implications of such policies. International students bring in significant revenue through tuition fees, which help expand course offerings and compensate for domestic student and research funding shortfalls, Ghosal said. He added that international students provide a short-term labour supply for UK businesses and stressed the need for a balanced approach that supports economic growth and the educational sector. Indians among top visa sponsors According to UK Home Office statistics, Indians made up the second-highest cohort under the Family Visa category in 2023, with 5,248 visas, following Pakistanis and ahead of Bangladeshis. Continuing Tory government's visa curbs The new Labour government has carried forward many of the previous Tory governments visa restrictions, including those on overseas students and care workers bringing family dependents. Cooper noted the importance of protecting the immigration system from abuse while valuing the economic and academic contributions of international students. Impact on student dependents There has been a significant 80% drop in the number of dependents accompanying students to the UK, with over 26,000 fewer student visa applications made from January to March compared to the same period in 2023, a government press release showed in May. The Centre is reportedly preparing to introduce a Bill in Parliament aimed at reducing the Waqf Boards control over assets. The Central government is reportedly preparing to introduce a Bill in Parliament aimed at reducing the Waqf Board s control over assets. On Sunday, several media reports mentioned that the Union Cabinet, in a meeting on Friday, approved around 40 amendments to the Waqf Act, and the Bill is expected to be presented soon. The Bill has created a nationwide stir with many Muslim leaders calling it an attack on religious freedom. Heres all you need to know about the Waqf controversy: Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp What is a Waqf? Under the Waqf Act of 1954, a Waqf refers to a property dedicated in the name of God for religious and charitable purposes. Legally, it is the permanent dedication by a Muslim of any movable or immovable property for purposes recognised by Muslim law as pious, religious, or charitable. A Waqf can be established through a deed or instrument, or a property can be considered a Waqf if it has been used for religious or charitable purposes over a long period. The proceeds from a Waqf typically fund educational institutions, graveyards, mosques, and shelter homes. Once a property is designated as a Waqf, it becomes non-transferable and is detained perpetually as a charitable act toward God, essentially transferring ownership to God. Waqfs can be either public, serving charitable ends, or private, benefiting the property owners direct descendants. Also Read: What are the key amendments in Waqf Act Amendment Bill? Key details To create a Waqf, one must be of sound mind and hold valid ownership of the property. Interestingly, the creator of a Waqf, known as the Waqif, does not have to be a Muslim, as long as they profess belief in Islamic principles. How is a Waqf governed? Waqfs in India are regulated by the Waqf Act, 1995. A survey commissioner lists all properties declared as Waqf by conducting local investigations, summoning witnesses, and requisitioning public documents. The Waqf is managed by a mutawali, who acts as a supervisor. Unlike trusts established under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, which can serve broader purposes and be dissolved by the board, Waqfs are specifically for religious and charitable uses and are intended to be perpetual. What is a Waqf Board? A Waqf board is a legal entity capable of acquiring, holding, and transferring property. It can sue and be sued in court. Each state has a Waqf Board led by a chairperson, including nominees from the state government, Muslim legislators, parliamentarians, members of the state Bar Council, Islamic scholars, and mutawalis (managers) of Waqfs with an annual income of Rs 1 lakh and above. The Waqf Board administers Waqf properties, recovers lost properties, and sanctions the transfer of immovable Waqf properties through sale, gift, mortgage, exchange, or lease, with at least two-thirds of the board members voting in favour of the transaction. The board appoints custodians to ensure the Waqf and its revenue are used for their designated purposes. The Central Waqf Council (CWC), established in 1964, oversees and advises state-level Waqf Boards across India. What is the Waqf Act 1995? The Waqf Act, 1995, is comprehensive legislation enacted by the Indian government to improve the administration and management of waqf properties. It establishes the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, distributing powers between Chief Executive Officers and Waqf Boards. The Act mandates the appointment of executive officers for underperforming Waqfs with annual incomes exceeding Rs 5 lakh and regulates judicial proceedings related to Waqfs. It oversees the powers, functions, and duties of mutawalis and makes the alienation of Waqf property difficult. It also mandates surveys to identify Waqf properties and strengthens financial management. Key provisions include the mandatory registration of all Waqfs with the Waqf Board, the maintenance of a central register of Waqfs, the authority of Waqf Boards to appoint executive officers, the removal of encroachments from Waqf properties, the preparation of annual budgets for waqf maintenance, and the maintenance of records and inspection of Waqf properties. What is the Waqf Act repeal Bill? The Waqf Repeal Bill, 2022, notes that the original Wakf Act of 1954 was repealed and replaced by the Waqf Act of 1995, which granted greater powers to Waqf Boards. The Act was further amended in 2013, which the Bill states gave the Waqf Boards limitless and absolute autonomy. The Waqf Repeal Bill, 2022, aimed to repeal the Waqf Act of 1995 and was last tabled in the Rajya Sabha on December 8, 2023. However, this bill may not be related to the one the government plans to introduce in the upcoming Parliament session. AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticised the Modi governments move, arguing it seeks to strip the Waqf Board of its autonomy. This itself is against the freedom of religion, he said. Owaisi warned of administrative chaos, stating, If you amend the establishment and composition of the Waqf Board, it will lead to administrative chaos, loss of autonomy, and increased government control, which will affect the independence of the Waqf. In fast-paced developments spanning a month, Bangladesh is facing a crisis of epic proportions, which threatens to tip a country known for its economic miracle into turmoil. Just eight months into an unprecedented fourth term, Sheikh Hasina, 76, the longest-serving Prime Minister who presided over the countrys journey from being an economic basket case to attaining middle-income status by 2026, has reportedly fled to India. The immediate cause of the current crisis can be traced to the mismanagement of roiling student unrest over government job quotas. But the violence, in which nearly 300 people have died since China's Liaoning evacuates over 28,000 residents to combat floods Xinhua) 15:01, August 05, 2024 SHENYANG, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- More than 28,000 residents of northeast China's Liaoning Province have been evacuated following a new round of torrential rains, with water levels of six rivers exceeding warning levels. Downpours battered many parts of the province from 7 a.m. Sunday to 7 a.m. Monday, with the largest hourly rainfall reaching 81.9 mm in Xinglongtai District in the city of Panjin. The province's average precipitation reached 25.4 mm during the 24 hours. To cope with this latest round of rainstorms, eight out of the province's 14 prefectural-level cities activated Level III or Level IV emergency responses for flood control, including the provincial capital Shenyang, where a Level-III emergency response was issued, according to the provincial headquarters for flood control and drought relief. China has a four-tier emergency response system for flood control, with Level I being the most urgent response. The provincial water resources department has mobilized people for river patrol and reservoir inspection. The provincial meteorological observatory said more rains are expected on Tuesday and Wednesday. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) The INDIA bloc parties are set to stage a protest in the Parliament complex on Tuesday to press for the rollback of 18 per cent GST on life and health insurance premiums. Sources in the Trinamool Congress said that its MPs have raised the issue in Parliament and their party chief, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has written to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on the matter. They also pointed out that Union minister Nitin Gadkari also wrote to Sitharaman and urged her to consider withdrawing the GST which, he said, amounted to taxing uncertainties of life and restricting the industry's growth. The Belgian Waffle Co, Indias largest waffle brand celebrated the National Waffle Day, an initiative they introduced to India a few years ago. And, year on year the event has been getting enormous responses from all the waffle enthusiasts in the country, leaving them in a state of bliss and indulgence. This year the excitement reached another high, leading to lakhs of fans queuing up at the brands 570+ stores PAN India on 19th July. With delectable waffles offered at just Rs 100 on this day, which happens just once a year for the brand, the National Waffle Day on July 19th is the day waffle fans keenly await every year. The campaign theme of #EveryoneKnows, conceptualised by the agency SoCheers, capitalised on the huge popularity of the event, especially among its young target audience. It hit an instant chord with those who knew about the event and also cleverly created FOMO amongst those who were yet to discover it. This years campaign saw some remarkable marketing strategies that had everyone talk about it and appreciate it across social platforms. The well-planned rollout of the campaign commenced when the internet saw a young fan mentioning 19th July as The National Waffle Day among historic events in an answer paper during a school exam, which had meme pages creating fun content around. Riding on this, the campaign skilfully generated buzz across digital platforms through famous influencers who tried promoting the campaign but couldnt because everyone already knew about it. The relatability of the content made it viral with 6M+ views achieved in less than 24 hours. As the campaign gained momentum, the brand utilised its packaging smartly and gave away a fake INR 100 note with every Zomato & Swiggy order, reminding them about the offer of Any waffle at Rs 100. This creative tactic was well-received and had consumers and marketing enthusiasts appreciating this on social platforms like Instagram & LinkedIn. The brand also utilised one of their last years viral CGI video that had a pilot-less helicopter soaring the skies, promoting the National Waffle Day offer. The missing pilot was seen skydiving with an offer placard in a fun video this year. This was further supported by an interesting collaboration with a recently famous Spotify ad voice-over personality, who promoted the offer in her playful style. As the day approached closer, the campaign saw multiple levers establishing the importance of the day and the irresistible offer through eye-catching billboards and bus shelters across key cities like Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Kolkata etc. One of their digital hoardings on WEH in Mumbai had the brand giving GOOD NEWS ON 19Th July playing right after the Bad Newz movie promotion which happened to release on the same day as the event. This was a great example of Moment Marketing done right! The brands employees further joined the bandwagon in promoting the most important day by posting their pictures with creative and fun placards on their LinkedIn profiles. And, all of this, resulted in a humongous success for the brand with the campaign reach and engagement hitting a 100M+ mark and lakhs of the brands fans queuing up outside their stores despite heavy rainfall in many cities. The day witnessed over 5 lakh footfall in a single day across the brands 570+ stores in PAN India, resulting in an astonishing surge in their business. Ankit Patel, Executive Director and CEO of The Belgian Waffle Co, shared his joy, stating, "The National Waffle Day is not just a day; its an emotion for us and our consumers alike. Over the years, the event has only gotten bigger and better; this year it soared to another high. It reflects the brands commitment to customer delight and showcases our ability to deliver a superior product experience at scale. The cutting-edge marketing campaign, meticulous planning, and operational prowess made the event what it was. The National Waffle Day is a testament to the brands ability to create genuine experiences, beyond product." Vrushali Parab, Marketing Head at The Belgian Waffle Co, shared her thoughts on the success of the campaign, stating "Over the years we have realised that The National Waffle Day is a phenomenon among our GenZ target group and the task of making it bigger year-on-year is daunting. The campaign theme of #Everyoneknows was a true reflection of our consumer voice, which helped us carve a multi-faced campaign strategy that resonated with our fans. Innovation, creativity, and an intuitive understanding of consumer preferences made the campaign a massive success, exceeding all expectations. Witnessing the digital-first campaign seamlessly driving huge tangible footfall at stores is a true campaign achievement." WorkJam, the worlds leading digital frontline workplace, announced it has received a $20 million investment from Export Development Canada (EDC) to expand its international operations. WorkJam will use the new funding to fuel its international marketing efforts in Europe and Asia. With global travel breaking records this summer, millions of frontline workers across hospitality, food service, retail, logistics and other industries are facing unprecedented pressure to deliver excellent customer experiences, said Steven Kramer, CEO of WorkJam. Given these challenges, companies worldwide are looking to equip their hourly employees with digital tools that give them more control over their schedules and drive productivity, retention and workplace satisfaction. This new investment will enable us to accelerate our international expansion and were extremely grateful for EDCs confidence and support as we fulfill our mission to empower frontline workers globally. As Canadas export credit agency, EDC helps Canadian companies of all sizes grow internationally with a strong focus on accelerating the international growth of medium-sized businesses. The organization provides capital, trade knowledge, insurance and global connections to support and develop sustainable trade between Canada and the world, enhancing the countrys competitiveness in the global marketplace. WorkJams customers include multiple Fortune 500 companies across the retail, travel and hospitality, manufacturing and logistics, and healthcare industries. Over half of the companys enterprise customers operate internationally and rely on WorkJams robust compliance framework and in-line translation support in 50 languages to digitize workflows and connect their frontline workforces in different geographies. Millions of frontline employees across more than 50 countries already use WorkJams digital platform for scheduling, learning, task management, two-way communication, workflow automation and more. WorkJam is a global leader in frontline workforce orchestration and a Canadian technology success story, said Guillermo Freire, EDCs Senior Vice-President, Mid-Market Group. We are proud to support this high-growth, medium-sized business as it continues to scale up and accelerate its international growth. WorkJam is helping enterprises across the globe digitize their non-desk workforces to increase efficiency and profitability while improving the daily work experience of tens of millions of frontline employees. WorkJams platform combines scheduling capabilities, an open shift marketplace, task management capabilities, bi-directional communication, mobile learning, surveys and more. The companys unified set of mobile or desktop-based modules can be deployed separately or together in as few as five days. About WorkJam WorkJam was founded in 2014 to improve the lives of frontline workers. As the worlds leading digital frontline workplace, WorkJam combines communication, task management, scheduling tools, learning, and more all on one app. It is the only complete and unified system designed to revolutionize the way HQs and their frontline work together, boosting efficiencies and productivity. Available in 50 languages with in-line translations, the app helps organizations bridge language barriers and create a more inclusive working environment for all. WorkJam introduces Total Workforce Orchestration. To learn more, visit WorkJam.com or follow us on LinkedIn. About EDC Export Development Canada (EDC) is a financial Crown corporation dedicated to helping Canadian businesses make an impact at home and abroad. EDC has the financial products and knowledge Canadian companies need to confidently enter new markets, reduce financial risk and grow their business as they go from local to global. Together, EDC and Canadian companies are building a more prosperous, stronger and sustainable economy for all Canadians. For more information and to learn how we can help your company, call us at 1-800-229-0575 or visit www.edc.ca. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240730423924/en/ 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. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code Jonathan McCambridge, PA Irish citizens have been urged to avoid travelling to Israel due to growing instability in the region. Citizens currently in Lebanon have also been advised to leave the country. Recent days have seen growing tensions in the Middle East amid fears of a wider conflict in the region. Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tanaiste Micheal Martin posted about the new travel advice on X, formerly Twitter. Mr Harris said: Our travel advice for Israel has changed due to growing instability in the region. The government is now advising Irish citizens do not travel to Israel. The same advice applies to Lebanon and Palestine. Taoiseach Simon Harris advised Irish citizens against travelling to Israel (Brian Lawless/PA) In his post, Mr Martin said travel advice had been updated. He said: I urge citizens to avoid all travel to Israel at this time. I also remind citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon. In a further post, he said: I strongly advise Irish citizens in Lebanon to leave the country and take advantage of the commercial options still available. Safety and security of citizens is our priority. DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) officials in the region and Dublin are available for consular advice. A travel alert on the DFA website advised against all travel to Israel, Palestine or Lebanon. It said: Irish citizens are strongly advised not to travel to border areas with Lebanon, as directed by local authorities. The Israeli military has announced that the area is a closed military zone and entry into the area is prohibited due to ongoing military operations. Further incidents can occur without notice and there is potential for intense escalation; extreme caution is advised. It added: We strongly advise against all travel to the Gaza Strip, and to all border areas between the Gaza Strip and Israel, as directed by local authorities. Irish citizens in the Gaza Strip are advised to exercise extreme caution, and register their presence immediately by contacting the Embassy of Ireland in Tel Aviv. Due to the volatile security situation, we currently advise against all travel to the occupied West Bank, excluding East Jerusalem where we advise against non-essential travel. A number of crossings into Jordan remain open. The security situation across both Israel and Palestine remains tense and unpredictable, with the potential for intense escalation. Tanaiste Micheal Martin said travel advice for Irish citizens had been updated (Niall Carson/PA) It continued:The Department strongly advises all Irish citizens currently in Lebanon to leave now while commercial options remain available. The situation in Lebanon remains highly volatile with intensifying clashes along the southern border in recent weeks. In light of the unpredictability of the situation, events could escalate throughout the country with very little warning. This could affect exit routes out of Lebanon. By Jonathan McCambridge, PA Police believe that more violence linked to planned anti-immigration protests is likely in Belfast in the coming days, a court has heard. A judge described scenes of disorder in the city at the weekend as absolutely disgraceful as he refused bail to four men. Deputy District Judge Liam McStay said there were racist elements to the violence and that the message had to be sent that if you allow yourself to become involved in this you will be remanded. PSNI officers man road blocks in Belfast on Saturday evening. Photo: David Young/PA. Violence flared after an anti-immigration demonstration left Belfast City Hall on Saturday. Three police officers were injured in the disturbances. Four men were charged and appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court on Monday. The first to appear was Simeon Eric McCullough, 46, of Schomberg Drive in Belfast, who was charged with disorderly behaviour and resisting police. The court was told the alleged offences had occurred in the Sandy Row area of Belfast on Saturday evening. A PSNI constable told the court that the alleged offences had taken place during unrest which saw attacks on police officers and businesses belonging to members of ethnic minority communities. He said the defendant was observed verbally attacking police. Objecting to bail, the constable said: Police have information that more disorder is likely in the next coming days. A defence lawyer said his client was not connected to any serious disorder and had gone out in the evening to walk his dog before finding himself separated from his house by lines of police officers, ending up in a confrontation and being arrested. Judge McStay told the court: The events at the weekend were absolutely disgraceful: a concerted and deliberate attempt to undermine public order and to then domineer the community, and there were racist elements to it. He said it was not alleged McCullough had participated in the worst aspects of the violence. But the judge added: The position is that this court cannot allow the type of behaviour that occurred on Saturday to be repeated and to be visited on other people, and the message has to be if you allow yourself to become involved in these matters for whatever reason, then you will face the consequences. In this case the risk of reoffending, my significant concern is it is at a very high level. It is concerted and it is directed in a racist way towards residents who are stuck in the same areas as the people who are affecting the unrest. Riot police separate rival protesters during an anti-Islamic protest at Belfast City Hall. Photo: Peter Morrison/PA. The message has to be that if you allow yourself to become involved in this you will be remanded. Bail was refused and McCullough was remanded in custody until August 19. Gary Creighton, 38, from Inishowen Drive in Belfast, was charged with possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence, possession of fireworks without a licence, and riotous behaviour. He also faced a charge of disorderly behaviour. The PSNI constable told the court that Creighton had been observed on two occasions throwing lit fireworks into a crowd of people during an anti-immigrant protest at Belfast City Hall on Saturday. A defence lawyer said there was nothing to connect her client to more serious offending which occurred at the weekend. She said Creighton had accepted he threw a firework and was remorseful. Judge McStay said: Anybody who engages in this type of behaviour is going to find themselves in great difficulty in achieving bail. Creighton was remanded in custody until September 2. Bernard Lavery, 34, from Farnham Street in Belfast, appeared charged with taking part in an unnotified public procession. A PSNI detective constable told the court that Lavery had been at the front of the anti-immigration protest which left Belfast City Hall carrying an Irish tricolour flag and using mobile phones. She said: Police believe that he has played a significant role and was more than a spectator in that protest. He is also seen at a time gesturing and pointing towards hotels in the city centre. She added: Police believe his role was pivotal to the disorder that then arose from those events. PSNI officers man road blocks in Belfast following an anti-Islamic protest outside Belfast City Hall. Photo: David Young/PA. Police are in receipt of information that there is the potential for further disorder and we believe that poses a public risk to our communities and our businesses. A defence lawyer said his client had been fully co-operative with police and denied having any leadership role in the protest. He said his client had only attended the protest after a flyer was posted through his door and had encouraged those who had engaged in disorder to desist. Lavery was remanded in custody until September 2. Last to appear was Michael John Coulter, 53, of York Park in Belfast who was charged with resisting police, three counts of assault on police and disorderly behaviour. A PSNI constable said Coulter had been in the Shaftesbury Square area on Saturday night with two children when he verbally abused police, calling them black bastards. The constable said he struck police with his crutch when he was approached. A defence lawyer said his client was disabled and had nothing to do with the protest but had stopped in the area to buy a kebab following a night out. Coulter was denied bail and was remanded in custody until September 2. By Jonathan McCambridge and Rebecca Black, PA The Northern Ireland Assembly will be recalled later this week to discuss violent scenes after an anti-immigration protest in Belfast. Several businesses were attacked during the violence on Saturday and business owners said the Islamic community was deliberately targeted. Four men appeared in court on Monday to face charges linked to the violence. We are aware of social media posts calling for protests across Northern Ireland in the week ahead. Further advice and information can be found here - https://t.co/aSkmhNAtY3 pic.twitter.com/MFqMvMNTqZ Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) August 5, 2024 The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said on Monday evening they are aware of social media posts calling for protests across Northern Ireland in the week ahead. The PSNI said officers will monitor the situation and will be engaging with groups likely to be affected by any protests. First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said there is no justification for racism or for the violence and intimidation that occurred on our streets on Saturday. A special meeting of Belfast City Council is also set to take place on Monday evening. Earlier, Stormont Speaker Edwin Poots said the Assembly will be recalled at noon on Thursday after a recall petition submitted by the Alliance Party and backed by the SDLP and Sinn Fein. MLAs will discuss a motion condemning criminal damage and targeting of businesses in recent days. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and First Minister Michelle ONeill. Photo: David Young/PA. The motion also calls on Ms ONeill and Ms Little-Pengelly to finalise the draft Refugee Integration Strategy and associated Thematic Delivery Plan and present it to the Executive, and to bring forward the renewed Race Relations Order, and set out the process of replacing the Racial Equality Strategy 2015/25 by the end of 2024. In a joint statement, the two leaders said they had spoken earlier with PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher. While people are entitled to take part in peaceful protest there is no justification for racism or for the violence and intimidation that occurred on our streets on Saturday, they said. Today we have spoken to the Chief Constable and offered him our full support and we pledged to work to deliver a shared, peaceful and inclusive society. There must be a zero-tolerance approach to racism and wanton destruction. Nobody should have to live in fear or threat of violence. Again, we would appeal to anyone with information to contact the PSNI. PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA. Stormonts Justice Minister, Naomi Long, said the scenes had been hugely damaging, describing some people as scared to leave their homes because of the colour of their skin. 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 force said it then prevented an attempt by protesters to march to Belfast Islamic Centre, but that sporadic violence broke out in other parts of the city. Three police officers were injured in the disorder and the PSNI said those involved will be dealt with using the full force of the law. Speaking to the media on Monday, Ms Long said she was absolutely distraught about what happened. These scenes have been broadcast around the globe of the rioting right across the UK and in our main city, she said. Justice Minister Naomi Long. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA. Its hugely damaging to our reputation but its also incredibly damaging to our community. We have people in Belfast today who are afraid to go outside of their homes because of the colour of their skin, or because of their religion, or because of their perceived background, because theyre afraid that they will be attacked on the streets. This kind of xenophobia and racism and bigotry isnt acceptable. It is intolerable, and from my perspective when it tips over into violence it is a very serious issue, both for the Department of Justice and for the police service. Ms Long warned anyone considering travelling to Northern Ireland to riot: If you do, you will be held accountable in front of the courts. You will be pursued. There isnt a free pass to come to Northern Ireland and engage in this kind of behaviour. We need as a community in Northern Ireland to stand against this. We need the political leadership. We need leadership from the PSNI. We need leadership from within our community to say that they do not want this visited on the streets of Belfast. A vehicle is set alight in Belfast. Photo: David Young/PA. We have experienced violence over the years. We know the damage it can do. We above all should understand the vulnerability of people who are being subjected to this kind of intimidation and its up to all of us to play our part in saying this is not welcome in Northern Ireland. If you engage in it, whether you are from Northern Ireland or from outside Northern Ireland, you will be held accountable. Earlier, Ms Long told the BBCs Good Morning Ulster programme: We are already seeing now on social media people making preparations for another round of this this week. This cannot continue, we cannot have this kind of Islamophobia, xenophobia and hatred on our streets. People have a right to an opinion when it comes to immigration, but it needs to be an informed opinion. What we are seeing instead is radicalisation of people online through disinformation and outright lies. It is incredibly dangerous. If there are lessons to be learned around the policing operation I have no doubt whatsoever they will be learned. Policing Board chairman Mukesh Sharma described the violence in Belfast as deeply depressing and disturbing. Northern Ireland Policing Board chairman Mukesh Sharma. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA. As a board, we join in the condemnation of all those who engaged in this disorder, and we welcome police commitments to bring all those responsible to justice, he said. There is no place for hate in our community. We all have a real job of work to do to provide reassurance to the community that the violent actions of a few are not representative of our society. I welcome the increased police engagement at this time with affected and concerned communities, and also trust that all those officers injured in the course of the disorder make a speedy recovery. Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts said: These attacks are despicable and should be condemned. Racism has no place in our community and those behind these attacks should be brought to justice. Our thoughts are with the owners and staff of these businesses going through such a traumatic experience. We hope that the police will learn lessons from last weekend and ensure that these disgraceful, racially motivated attacks on business owners are prevented in future. Moses Freeman Jr., former City Council member and city administrator, has died. Mayor Tim Kelly said, Ginny and I, along with all Chattanoogans, mourn the loss of Moses Freeman, a civil rights icon and former city councilman. Chattanooga is a better place thanks to his lifetime of dedicated service and love for his hometown. His example will continue to inspire our community for years to come. The graduate of Howard School won a council seat in District 8. He was a revitilization specilist at the Lyndhurst Foundation and was owner/developer at Urban Development Corporation. At one time he was executive director at the Northeast Florida Community Action agency. Mr. Freeman studied history at UTC and studied teaching at Tennessee State. Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod said, "My heart is heavy hearing of the passing of Councilman Moses Freeman Jr., a true hero and beacon of justice in our community. Councilman Freeman was not just a dedicated servant and a civil rights icon; he was a guiding light whose encouraging presence and cheerful voice that continuously poured into the next generation. "His unwavering commitment to fight for justice has left an indelible mark on our community. I am profoundly thankful for the moments we shared, filled with laughter and political discourse, and for the invaluable nuggets of wisdom he imparted. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide us. "Councilman Freeman, your dedication will never be forgotten. Rest in power." City Court Clerk Anthony Byrd said, "I would like to express my deepest condolences on the passing of Mr. Moses Freeman. Mr. Freeman was an extraordinary man who paved the way for myself and many others to serve as city council members. When I ran against him, he was an admirable competitor, and after, he became a gracious friend, offering invaluable advice on how to best serve our district 8. Mr. Freemans legacy and impact on Chattanooga, Tennessee, will be remembered forever. My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. His contributions and character will continue to inspire us all. With sincere respect and admiration." Dr. Debbie Murray, provost and chief academic officer at Lee University, was honored with the Distinguished Educator Award for Leadership during the 79th International General Assembly of the Church of God, held in Indianapolis, In. She was presented the award during a special luncheon held to celebrate education and recognize award recipients. As a daughter of the Church of God and Lee University, to be honored by those I love so much is an incredible blessing, said Dr. Murray. I share this award with all my colleagues at Lee and with my family especially my father, who inspired me to make teaching my life's work. Dr. Murray joined the Lee faculty in 1980 as an assistant professor of education. She served as founding dean of the Helen DeVos College of Education, director of graduate studies in education, director of the teacher education program, and chair before being promoted to vice president for academic affairs in 2013. In 2011, Dr. Murray was awarded the rank of Distinguished Professor of Education by the Lee University Board of Directors, one of only three Lee professors to hold the rank at that time. She has been awarded the Distinguished Educator Award from Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society in Education, and is an honorary member of Phi Eta Sigma. She is a recipient of Lees Excellence in Advising Award and was selected as Alumnus of the Year by Delta Zeta Tau and from the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics in 1997. Dr. Murray holds a Doctorate in Education in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in educational psychology and a Master of Science in special education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She completed her undergraduate degree at Lee College in Mathematics Education. In addition to her service at Lee, Dr. Murray has served as president of the Tennessee Association for Independent Colleges of Teacher Education, chair of the Southern Accreditation Council for the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities, and chair of the Chief Academic Officers Council for the Appalachian College Association. She was also inducted into the Cleveland High School Alumni Hall of Fame. Since 1976, the Church of God has conferred the Distinguished Educator Award to recipients who have made a unique contribution to education in the Church of God around the globe. The award has evolved into two categories, faculty and leadership, and this year also included a third award for lifetime achievement. Donald Trump agreed to debate Joe Biden on June 27 and Sept 10. He even submitted to their rules, their moderators, their channels. Then Biden folded and Harris was anointed without primaries. Harris began boasting she would debate Trump, and said in Atlanta whatever he says, say it to my face. The challenge drew loud applause from her crowd, but was it just bravado? Trump now wants to debate her on FOX on Sept. 4 with a live audience. Harris is fudging wanting the Sept. 10 date on ABC with the earlier rules. Keep in mind, Trump never agreed to that date with Harris or her campaign team, it was with Biden. Its basic contract law, new parties to the contract, new terms. As an attorney she should know that but maybe not as she was busy jailing pot smokers in California. Its really just a stunt to fool those who want to believe her. With zero pressers or interviews, shes really not ready or prepared to debate on any topic relevant to voters. So she claims in her ads she wants an economy that works for everyone. In light of Fridays poor jobs report along with the highest unemployment number since 2021 (CNN 8/2/24) and a stock market sell off causing real fears of a Biden recession, she might not want to answer for that. If and when she decides to debate, which Kamala would show up, which face will she present? Ralph Miller * * * Occasionally, I agree with Mr. Ralph Miller. I agree with him about a debate between VP Harris and the defendant/felon/candidate. A contract existed, but the requirements changed. That allows the defendant/felon/candidate or VP Harris to offer to negotiate a new contract for a debate. VP Harris obviously wants to debate the defendant/felon/candidate. Frankly, knowing that he will either answer with lies, which are easily debunked by facts, or that he will not answer questions at all, as he did in the first debate when the focus was on the President, Id like to debate him too. However, the real issue is if the defendant/felon/candidate would even show up. Ill be extremely surprised if the defendant/felon/candidate shows, assuming a debate is scheduled. He wouldnt listen anyway, but for him, a debate is a no-win situation. Especially since facts are an obstacle to him: something to be evaded. The "stunt" (Mr. Millers term) is the defendant/felon/candidate thinking he can debate. He offered zero, zip, nada, nothing when debating Biden. He never answered a single question, either evading with a different topic that the one asked, or as described by Henrietta Treyz, managing partner and director of economic policy research at the consulting firm Veda Partners: "President Trump stuck to his factually incorrect messaging points (meaning lies) tonight." That very accurately describes the defendant/felon/candidates showing. And based on the MAGA spinners comments, dont reply that defendant/felon/candidate won the debate. Based on the perception of his mental acuity and ability to recall specifics, Bidens performance does not automatically make the defendant/felon/candidate a winner. Continuing: "With zero pressers or interviews, shes really not ready or prepared to debate on any topic relevant to voters." So says Mr. Miller. Ive no idea of how Mr. Miller arrives at that conclusion. "She wants an economy that works for everyone." Mr. Miller is correct about that statement. However, he is wrong in stating VP Harris would not answer if questioned about a single jobs report and a Wall Street sell-off. Why does "the invisible hand" of Adam Smith now come to mind? BTW, "Fridays poor jobs report along with the highest unemployment number since 2021 (CNN 8/2/24)" are akin to a single bad review of a restaurant that has had nothing but positive reviews since new owners took over 3 years ago. And that single bad review discouraged a few customers from eating there. One bad review doesnt mean the restaurant has to fire the chef. Similarly, Mr. Miller doesnt want you to eat at that restaurant based on that one bad review. Joe Warren * * * If Kamala debates Trump on Fox, she would be an idiot. There is an interesting letter to the editor in the New York Times (Aug. 6) wherein the writer says the questions would be similar to this: They would ask Kamala, "Wwhat would you do if Putin expanded his war with Ukraine into other countries? They would ask Trump, What is your favorite color? Trump is afraid to debate Kamala on level ground, he is afraid of her, he is afraid of black women. He did not like the lady who was asking him questions at the Chicago Black Journalist meeting. He belabored the concept of her being a South Asian mix with a Black from the Islands. What difference does it make? He is worried about color but he puts orange on his face probably to cover up a cosmetic problem that he has. He is reacting to silly things. He seems upset that it was Biden who brought the Russian prisoners home, not him. He is terrified of Kamalas rise in the polls because of yesterdays court decision saying that a couple of cases could continue before the election and either one could put him in prison. He is simply a scared man the way things are today. Raleigh C. Perry * * * I want to respond to Joe Warren. Can you just tell me what Kamala Harris has done for the us, the people. Just name one thing. She is a radical, laughing, unfiltered person. Look what she and Biden have done for the borders. Do you have any idea how many terrorists they have let in to our country? Plus the economy is the worst ever. Look at the stock market today. Go pump gas and buy groceries. Yes, Ill vote for the convicted felon. Charges that were brought by their Democratic prosecutor and judge, that was originally stated as a misdemeanor. Charlotte Page * * * Trump was fully aware of what he was doing when he "suggested" the new debate format. He had control over all the variables and set up an environment that would likely be hostile. He knew there was little chance Kamala would agree to participate in such a spectacle. Furthermore, what tangible benefits did Trump provide for everyday people, aside from fostering division? A jury of his peers found him guilty, regardless of who brought the charges. He was found guilty of fraud and is also civilly liable for sexual assault, as determined by a court. Given these circumstances, he should not be considered a viable candidate. Why choose new everything? Just show up to what you agreed to. Christopher Cooper * * * Choosing a restaurant is in no way comparable to choosing a President of the United States. That statement by Mr. Warren may reveal a lot about how and why the left votes the way they do. Gerald Presley The trial in which Jason Chen is charged with the murder of Jasmine Pace has been moved to Jan. 6. That comes after Criminal Court Judge Boyd Patterson, in an 11-page ruling issued Friday, declined to throw out evidence obtained when the victim's family went inside Chen's apartment several times and took some items. The ruling also included evidence from body cameras when three city police officers did a "protective search" of apartments at The Lofts at Tremont at the corner of Tremont and Frazier Avenue. The body of Ms. Pace was found stuffed in a suitcase in a ditch along Suck Creek Road. She had over 60 stab wounds. District Attorney Coty Wamp said, despite the favorable ruling, the state does not plan to use any evidence from the protective search. Judge Patterson said if the defense goes into the protective search during the trial that might open it up for the state to do so also. Another motion hearing will be Sept. 13 in the case. A jury will be selected from Blount County in December and later brought to Chattanooga for the trial. DA Wamp said all the evidence that the state plans to use is ready for trial. Attorney Josh Weiss sought the continuance, saying more time was needed to prepare. The order by Judge Patterson addressed six searches at the apartment where Chen lived and where police believe Ms. Pace was killed. They include one by the Pace family on Nov. 26, 2022, the protective search by three police officers on Nov. 27, 2022, another by the victim's family on Nov. 27, 2022, police using a search warrant on Nov. 27, 2022, contractors working to clean up the Chen apartment on Jan. 6, 2023 (they found a large amount of blood in carpet and under tiles), and police with the property manager's consent on Jan. 6, 2023. The Pace family had first found Jasmine's car near some Mountain Creek apartments. Just after that, her mother, Catrina Pace, noticed on her phone that Jasmine had left a "pin drop" (location) at 2:18 a.m. on Nov. 23, 2022. The location was near the Frazier Avenue area where Ms. Pace's car had been located before it was moved. The family then made their way to the apartment building and began knocking on doors asking if anyone had seen Ms. Pace or Chen. They eventually located Chen's unit and went in using a credit card to open the door. They also spoke to a couple who lived next door to Chen who told of hearing the distressed cry of a female about the time Ms. Pace had left the pin drop. Judge Patterson said a private person "may be considered an agent of the government if he or she conducts a search with the government's knowledge and without a legitimate independent motivation." However, he found that the Paces did not meet the definition of being state agents in the case. He said, "The Pace family's personal motivation to find Jasmine drove their efforts regardless of the varying levels of the police officers' professional motivation to do the same." He said, "Accordingly, Jasmine's driver's license, credit cards and personal bag discovered in Apt. 210 by her family do not qualify for suppression under the constitutional prohibition against warrantless governmental search and seizures." In March 1848, two young girls living in Hydesville, New York, incited a trend of spiritualism with what started out as a harmless prank. Every night, when teenager Maggie Fox and her younger sister Kate were asleep, a rapping noise could be heard coming from their shared bedroom. The sisters claimed that there was a spirit communicating with them. Their mother asked the spirit how many children shed had, and the spirit responded with the correct number of raps. A neighbor had also witnessed the spirit at work, and soon, word spread that something strange was happening at the Fox house. Shortly after the girls supernatural abilities were discovered, they were sent to live in Rochester with Leah, their older sister. Leah decided to take advantage of her sisters gifts as a way of making some money. In November 1849, Maggie and Kate showcased their skills in front of 400 paying customers. Afterward, they began holding regular public demonstrations. Many people criticized the girls for being frauds and believed they were just cracking their joints. But plenty of others were under the impression that a true spiritual phenomenon was unfolding in front of their very eyes. Following the Fox sisters rise to fame, other people came onto the spiritual scene, declaring that they were mediums who could talk to the dead. Those who were in the business of spiritualism didnt just talk the talk. They also walked the walk by putting on fabulous shows to entertain their audiences. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. During an expedition to Makira, the largest forest on the island of Madagascar, researchers rediscovered 21 species that had been lost to science, including small rainbow fish and a giant millipede that hadnt had a documented sighting in 126 years. Its likely that local communities knew about its existence, though. Madagascar is located off the southeastern coast of Africa. The expedition was the first of its kind and was part of the Search for Lost Species project by wildlife conservation organization Re:wild. A team of more than 30 researchers combed the trees, ground, and river for various mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates that havent been spotted for at least a decade. In the past, Search for Lost Species has primarily looked for one or two species on each expedition, but there are now 4,300 species that we know of around the world that have not been documented in a decade or more, Christina Biggs, a Re:wild officer, said. Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot and Makira is an underexplored area within the country, so we decided to pilot a new model for lost species searches there. We convened a group of scientists to search for as many species as possible, and it proved successful. Initially, the expedition team had a list of 30 lost species they hoped to find. On the list, there were seven reptiles, three mammals, three fish, five spiders, and 12 insects. With the help of local guides and fishers, they were able to identify all three species of fish. After hiking for days to local communities, they came across a Makira rainbow fish, which had been lost since 2003. They also found several species of insects that werent on the original list. Entomologists identified two different species of flowering ant-like beetles that had been lost since 1958. But the most unexpected discovery of all was a giant millipede that was dark brown in color. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. Home News Former church children's ministry volunteer sentenced to over 120 years for molesting girls, child porn A former childrens ministry volunteer at a California church has been sentenced to more than 120 years to life in prison for molesting girls as young as 6, and possessing hundreds of pornographic images of children. The ministry volunteer also took sexually suggestive images of a minor he met through the church. Orange County District Attorney Tood Spitzer's office said in a statement last week that Newport Beach resident Todd Christian Hartman was sentenced to 120 years to life plus an additional four years and four months in prison following convictions on two felony counts of a lewd act upon a 14- or 15-year-old and four felony counts of lewd or lascivious acts with a minor younger than 14. 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 Hartman, 41, was also convicted on two felony counts of oral copulation or sexual penetration of a child aged 10 or younger and one felony count of possession of child pornography. The man previously volunteered for the childrens ministry at the Vineyard Church in Anaheim prior to his conviction. Church leaders eventually became concerned about Hartman repeatedly pulling children onto his lap and changed his responsibilities, according to the district attorneys office. Houses of worship should be safe havens from the evils of the world, but instead child predators transform them from a place of safety into a hunting ground for unsuspecting victims for their twisted sexual gratification, Spitzer said. No child should have the innocence of childhood robbed from them by anyone, much less someone they were led to believe they could trust. According to the states elder parole law, Hartman will become eligible for parole after he serves 20 years of his sentence. The Orange County District Attorney expressed sympathy for the victims and their families, referring to the possibility of Hartman receiving parole instead of serving a life sentence as a harsh reality. Spitzer maintained that the ministry volunteers eligibility for parole in such a short time is the result of reckless and disgraceful decisions embraced by the California government. We will never leave the sides of our victims and when he does come up for parole we will do everything in our power as prosecutors to keep him behind bars where he undoubtedly belongs, Spitzer stated. The Vineyard Church is now called the Dwelling Place Anaheim after the church formally disassociated from Vineyard USA, a movement comprised of hundreds of churches throughout the country. Alan Scott and his wife, Kathryn, who led Vineyard Church Anaheim for four years, announced the split in 2022. A spokesperson for the church told The Christian Post that none of its current pastoral staff were hired at the time but stressed that the church "cooperated with law enforcement from the beginning of this investigation and throughout the investigation," echoing a 2015 statement issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. "Also, according to our records, the church immediately sent a letter out to the parents in the congregation in 2015. That letter ... was direct, transparent, and clear," the Dwelling Place said in a statement. "While this criminal was a volunteer at our church, we are relieved that, to our knowledge, there remains no indication that any of this criminal activity took place while any of the victims were under our care or on our premises." "We also would like to take this opportunity to encourage anyone reading this who may have been a victim of a crime to contact local law enforcement," the statement adds. "We support every effort by law enforcement to prosecute these types of criminals to the fullest extent of the law. In the 2015 letter to parents, the church disclosed that Hartman was arrested for child pornography charges, stating the church had been approached by law enforcement to ask for help in the investigation. After the church became aware of the investigation, Hartman was removed from any volunteer capacity. The church's 2015 letter stated that the charges were related to "Hartmans personal computer and activity in his home," and there was no indication that the allegations involved inappropriate use of church computers or "any incidents or allegations involving any children or youth here at the church or in relation with any church activity, event, service, etc." As explained by the district attorneys office, Hartman contacted the father of two of his victims in 2016 and admitted that he had repeatedly molested his daughters he met through his volunteer work with the childrens ministry. Hartman began sexually abusing one of the girls when she was 6, and he molested the girls sister while taking sexually suggestive photos of her as she sat in his lap. The church volunteer was also convicted of groping and fondling the genitals of two other girls, ages 12 and 14. Hartman molested the girls in 2009 during a sleepover at a house in Fullerton that belonged to a relative of the girls. In 2015, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced that Hartman was expected to make an appearance in federal court after he was charged with using the internet to download and distribute sexually explicit images of minors. The incidents are believed to have occurred in 2014. Hartman was arrested at the time by ICE, Homeland Security Investigations and Newport Beach Police detectives. These allegations are particularly disturbing in light of the defendants access to children, Special Agent Claude Arnold of HSI Los Angeles said in a statement at the time. HSI will continue to work closely with our local and federal law enforcement partners to investigate those who sexually exploit our young people and ensure that these predators feel the full weight of the law. Home News New York City assistant DA quits after allegedly trying to meet 13-year-old boy A prosecutor in New York City recently resigned from his job after a group of vigilante fathers caught him allegedly trying to meet with a 13-year-old boy. William C.C. Kemp-Neal, 30, quit his job as assistant district attorney in the Bronx District Attorney's Office on July 17, just days after a video of him from the group Dads Against Predators went viral on social media, according to the New York Post. Until his resignation from the Bronx DA's office, Kemp-Neal primarily handled assault, harassment, and child endangerment cases, the outlet 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 The video shows members of the group confronting Kemp-Neal in the parking lot of a Target in Mount Vernon on the evening of July 8, where he was presumably waiting to meet the boy while using the pseudonym "Marcus." According to the video, when Kemp-Neal realizes that grown men have shown up to meet him, he runs away after they ask him if he is Marcus. Chasing Kemp-Neal into the nearby parking garage, the men repeatedly yell, "Excuse me everybody, this man right here came to meet a 13-year-old boy!" A bystander got involved and put Kemp-Neal into a chokehold while the men grilled him about what his intentions with the boy were. "You want to take him to get a milkshake, right Marcus?" one of the men said, to which Kemp-Neal replied, "I didn't." Mount Vernon Police reportedly showed up to investigate the incident and question those involved, though no charges have been filed against Kemp-Neal, according to the Post. Bronx DA Darcel Clark confirmed in a statement to the outlet that Kemp-Neal was no longer with her office. "William Kemp-Neal worked here as an ADA from June 28, 2020, until July 17, 2024," the office said. "He resigned from the office." Joshua Mundy and Jay Cameron Carnicom founded the Ohio-based organization Dads Against Predators in 2020. They have been banned from multiple grocery stores in the state because their stings sometimes end in physical violence, and one altercation in 2023 led to a shooting at a Target in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, according to local FOX8. Alex Rosen, another vigilante predator hunter who founded Predator Poachers and does work similar to Dads Against Predators, recently told The Christian Post that his work catching would-be abusers has brought him "face to face with evil," and convinced him that Hell and Satan are real. "I'm not too religious," Rosen told CP in June, shortly after busting Michael Knaapen, who served as the chair of the Maryland Democratic Partys LGBTQ+ Diversity Leadership until the sting. "I definitely believe in God, I'm a Jew," he said. "But with how many people we come face to face with who are pure evil, I can't really not believe in a Hell and the devil. I mean, it has to exist with how evil these people are. So, I'm not religious, but I absolutely know there's a God, and I fully believe in Him." Home Opinion The battle for America's soul is real With the 2024 presidential election underway, our nation's toxic temperature will continue to rise, making it critically important for leaders in the Church and all people of faith to step up, take a stand and speak the truth, even if it means facing opposition. We are in the fog of war, a military term that applies here. Weve become disorientated and overloaded in this battle for our nation. Weve lost our situational awareness. We can't see the enemy, the frontlines or even distinguish between friend and foe. We live in a time where what is wrong is called right, and what is right is considered wrong. Everything is backwards. Were experiencing historic moments that, when studied in hindsight, will show the battle for this countrys soul. 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 God has blessed our nation in its darkest hours, as it fought diverse enemies bent on destroying our freedoms. However, today, few are willing to stand fast against the equally destructive forces of darkness threatening to engulf our land again. Weve grown accustomed to Gods abundant grace and become careless with our freedom unwilling to sacrifice to maintain such treasure. Where is our freedom? As a nation, we celebrate and enjoy freedom of speech, press and religion, proclaiming ourselves to be the freest nation in the world. But is that still true? Where is our freedom today? Our forefathers' sacrifices will be in vain if we don't stand for what's right and just for America now before its too late. America has lost its mind. If the United States of America has lost its way, what hope does the rest of the world have? Peter, a key leader in the early church, wrote, "Be sober-minded. Be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). His warning is stark. Imagine someone saying they're going to destroy your life, your marriage, and your family. The Bible, our manual, talks about good and evil, the weapons of warfare and the enemy's plans. Satan is real. Hes a lying, deceitful, scheming, slandering and devious figure. We must be vigilant and aware of his influence. There are wicked forces vying for our attention, aiming to lure our minds and secure our devotion to everything except God. Sadly, Gallup data shows that belief in God in the U.S. has dipped to 81%, a historic low, down six percent from 2017. With that, many Americans fail to sufficiently contemplate the reality of God's providence, his always-guiding hand in affairs. And for those who do attend church, many pastors play it safe, avoiding preaching and teaching on cultural issues, fearing a swift cancel culture counterattack. This is dangerous. Its a pastors responsibility to warn their flocks and share biblical wisdom about whats impacting them and their families, acting as the "watchmen on the wall. United we stand, divided we fall Following the failed assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, R. Albert Mohler Jr., noted the deep political tensions and high stakes of the 2024 election, and stressed that Christians should not succumb to political desperation because our faith is grounded in the principles of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Hes right. When people lose or have no faith in God, they tend to worship government and politics becomes their idol. While both principles are crucial to the Christian worldview, divine sovereignty is paramount, and human actions occur within God's overarching providence. Why is this important to note? It was God alone who can prevent the unthinkable from happening. His providence at that Pennsylvania rally shooting is clearly seen through the matter of a few millimeters. This is a pivotal and fragile time in our nations history. It's time for people of faith and conviction to speak out boldly. America was built on the principles of freedom and justice, and we must fight to preserve these values. When I visit war memorials in Washington, D.C., I see how average Americans fought and bled for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The only battle for the soul of our nation is real, but with Gods guidance and our collective voices and actions, we can reclaim the true spirit of America. Home Opinion The danger of treating Christ as a joke If you thought the opening of the Olympics in France made a blasphemous mockery out of Christs Last Supper, well, youre clearly a no-nothing, uneducated religious bigot whos way too sensitive and saw something that wasnt there. So say lots of folks outside the Christian faith. Fake news!, a lot said. Get a book on Greek mythology!, others angrily wrote online in response to the numerous Christian protests. Well, I have a few books on Greek culture and mythology, as well as paganism and more, that I studied during my masters program and I can say, sure, there were references to both in the opening ceremonies. But that wasnt all they were imitating. 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 At least, thats what Barbara Butch, the self-proclaimed fat, Jewish, queer lesbian DJ seen in the middle playing the role of Jesus, admitted to in her now-deleted Instagram post that showed the ceremonys scene above Da Vincis painting of the Last Supper, which was captioned: Oh Yes! Oh Yes! The New Gay Testament! Moreover, another Olympics spokesperson admitted basically the same to the New York Post. As Piers Morgan said, They knew exactly what they were doing. And it shouldnt surprise or shock us. Peter warned his readers a long time ago, Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts (2 Pet. 3:3). While I can easily get sad and angry watching such things, I also have a strange sense of satisfaction that washes over me when I see those denying Gods existence and truth acting in the very ways His Word tells them theyll behave. Its both comical and tragic at the same time. The truth is, such sardonic actions are nothing new theyve been around since Christ landed in His manger and ascended back into Heaven. For example, a while back, archaeologists discovered a crude stone drawing in a Roman guardhouse that dates back to the very early periods after Christ. The sketch is of a crucified man with the head of a donkey, a person bowing down to it, and an inscription that reads, Alexamenos worships his God. To that artist and those like him today, Christ is one big, fat joke. And in no place in Scripture is this better depicted than in what happened to Him during His crucifixion. The clown at Calvary Jesus warned His disciples ahead of time that His persecutors would ridicule Him before His death; that they would: Hand Him over to the Gentiles to mock and scourge and crucify (Matt. 20:19). The joke was, this is the King of the Jews? Well, lets have a coronation. Matthew tells us: Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole Roman cohort around Him. They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! They spat on Him and took the reed and began to beat Him on the head. After they had mocked Him, they took the scarlet robe off Him and put His own garments back on Him and led Him away to crucify Him (Matt. 27:2731). But the joke didnt stop there. The Roman and Jewish leaders then enthroned Jesus like a king is instated above the people, only in Jesus case, it was on a cross. Scripture also tells us they crucified two thieves on both sides of Jesus something that was no accident. This was to spoof the fact that a king normally had a person on his right and left who represented the second and the third-most honorable people in the kings court. The Jewish religious leaders liked the fact that Jesus death was designed to be one big laugh. But in 70 A.D., everyone stopped laughing. Unfortunately, we usually fly right past something in the crucifixion narrative thats really important. Its significant because it was a warning to the people of that time and also carries over to us today. During His march to Calvary, Jesus said to the grieving women who were following after him: Daughters of Jerusalem, stop weeping for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children (Luke 23:28). Jesus was essentially saying, everyone is making a joke out of Me now, but youll be crying later. And they did; in rejecting Jesus, their joke backfired on them. If youve ever read the historian Josephus account of what happened to Jerusalem in 70 A.D., its the kind of horror story that stops a persons heart. And its what this world that still mocks Jesus every chance it gets has to look forward to. Because fools mock at sin (Prov 14:9), we see constant signposts in Scripture that foretell what will happen when Gods doomsday clock runs out. For example: The LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to them again and again by His messengers, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place; but they continually mocked the messengers of God, despised His words and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against His people, until there was no remedy (2 Chron. 36:1516). The German poet Heinrich Heine said, God will forgive, thats His job! Yes, God does forgive those who come to Him in repentance with a contrite heart. But to those who mock and reject Christ, they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed (1 Peter 2:8). And what happens then? Because I called and you refused, I stretched out my hand and no one paid attention; and you neglected all my counsel and did not want my reproof; I will also laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your dread comes, when your dread comes like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but they will not find me, because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD. They would not accept my counsel, they spurned all my reproof. So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way and be satiated with their own devices (Prov. 1:2431). Thats the danger of treating Christ as a joke. In coronating Him in the middle of two low-lives to imitate a king and his court, Jesus crucifixion crowd may have thought He was a clown. But the truth is, they were doing Gods bidding, dooming many, but saving us who look at Calvary and agree with what Rhett Walker says in one of his songs: I've been the one on the left, full of guilt and regret Long-gone on the wrong side of living I've been the one on the right, always looking for a fight Thinking I could never be forgiven I'm standing here today, overwhelmed by grace 'Cause I know who paid my cost Thank God for the Man on the middle cross Amen to that. Christ is no joke but is instead Lord of all. And if you dont bow to Him now, you will later, but by then, it will be too late your 70A.D. will have come upon you. Home News 3 times slain Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh proved he wasn't a 'moderate' Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, killed in an Israeli airstrike last week, has been framed as a "moderate" by several media outlets, a claim that does not align with clips of Haniyeh celebrating Hamas' Oct. 7 terrorist attacks and leading a crowd in calling for the massacre of Jews. Haniyeh, the political leader of the Palestinian terror group Hamas in Gaza who was in his early 60s, was killed after he attended the swearing-in ceremony of new Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran last Tuesday. Haniyeh was born in a refugee camp near Gaza City and joined Hamas in the 1980s during the First Intifada, CNN reported. The Intifada from 1987 to 1990 began as what the Anti-Defamation League described as a "spontaneous outburst" that escalated after the political and military organization Fatah supplied civilians with firearms. Masses of civilians attacked Israeli soldiers with stones, axes, Molotov cocktails, hand grenades and firearms, a conflict that Israeli soldiers weren't prepared to fight. 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 Haniyeh was imprisoned several times for participating in the uprising before he was deported to Gaza, where he climbed the ranks within the Hamas terrorist organization. As a political leader for the terror group, Haniyeh was a "key interlocutor" in hostage negotiations and ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, according to CNN. Reuters described him as the "moderate face of Hamas," reporting that he was "seen by many diplomats as a moderate compared to the more hardline members of the Iran-backed group inside Gaza." Various news outlets reported that BBC used similar language when reporting on Haniyehs death, stating that the Hamas leader was seen as a moderate despite his tough rhetoric. While some outlets have reported that diplomats described the Hamas leader as "pragmatic" and "moderate," Haniyeh's past suggests otherwise. The following pages highlight three times the Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh proved he was not a "moderate." Home News Hundreds attend prayer service for pastor whose grandson killed wife, children Over 300 people gathered at Oasis of Praise Church in McCalla, Alabama, for a prayer service remembering Lead Pastors Allan and Gay Kendrick following a tragic incident involving their grandson, who allegedly killed his wife and four children. During the service, which featured an hour of praise music and prayer, Associate Pastor Patrick Cooper addressed the congregation. He said he was not present to provide additional information about the tragic incident, stressing that the church has a distinct role in responding to such tragedies. Thats not our position. Thats not our place. Were in the role of the church. Were here to love him and sister Gay and the family. Pray for everybody, not want to know everything thats going on. We dont have to, AL.com quoted him as saying. 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 Brandon Allan Kendrick II, 32, the couples grandson, is being held at the Bibb County Jail, facing five counts of capital murder. The authorities were alerted to the violence at the Kendricks home when deputies responded to a 911 call about a child shot. The charges against Kendrick state he is accused of shooting his 24-year-old wife, Kelse Kendrick, in the head with a handgun, along with fatally shooting four children. The victims were identified by a family GoFundMe page as Kaleb Kendrick, 6; Kynli Kendrick, 2; Haley Daniels, 6; and Colton Daniels, who was about to turn 9. All were at a family residence that included a garage apartment behind the Kendricks main home. During the prayer service, Cooper also spoke about the pastors faith, which he believes will guide him through his grief. Your pastors the strongest person Ive ever met in my life, Cooper said, recalling how Pastor Kendrick remained steadfast in his faith even shortly after the police had left the scene. The tragedy struck just days after a family gathering at Bill Morrows home, Kelse Kendricks grandfather, for a pool party celebrating what would have been Coltons ninth birthday. On Sunday after the incident, Pastor Allan Kendrick delivered a sermon, sharing the extensive challenges his grandson faced with mental illness and the lack of adequate support from government agencies, including difficulties with Medicaid. I watched him all these years try so hard, talk to every agency, talk to everybody. We tried everything, had him instituted in hospitals only to be discharged with no medication, no follow-up, no doctor, nothing, Pastor Kendrick told his congregation. The Daily Mail reported that Brandon Kendricks was suffering from schizophrenia and had a history of not taking his medication. The untreated mental health struggle likely culminated in the event that not only claimed the lives of his family members but also nearly endangered his grandparents. Pastor Kendrick described a chilling moment 10 minutes before the shooting, where his grandson appeared normal, sharing laughter and stories in their home. The pastor recalled a peaceful moment in the bedroom with his wife, Gay, and their grandson, discussing a past dinner outing. The calm was shattered when, just 10 minutes after Kendricks wife had left the room, a gunshot sounded. As Pastor Kendrick was putting on his shoes, Brandon entered the bedroom with a gun. Gay, closest to Brandon, managed to grab the gun, which discharged, miraculously missing her. Pastor Kendrick also shared that they had been caring for Brandon since he was 12, following years of severe sexual abuse and neglect. Despite being on multiple medications, Brandons support was withdrawn at 18, when he lost his Medicaid coverage, leaving him without necessary medical care. Home News Documents revealing Hamas' plans for Gaza civilians to join Oct. 7 massacre uncovered by IDF: report Amid its ongoing military operation in Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces recovered documents they say detail Hamas' plans for carrying out its Oct. 7 terror attack against civilians in southern Israel in which Gazan civilians reportedly played a part. The documents were published for the first time Friday in a joint article by the Hebrew-language daily newspaper Israel Hayom and the German newspaper Bild detailing Hamas' purported long-term plans to conquer communities in Israel along the border with Gaza. Hamas, recognized as a terror group by the U.S. government, has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007 and killed over 1,200 people in its Oct. 7 attack, sparking Israel's military offensive in Gaza. The Hamas-run health ministry says over 37,000 people have been killed since the war began. Those figures don't differentiate between combatants and civilians. 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 report, the document instructed Hamas terrorists to abduct a large number of soldiers within the first few moments of fighting and bring them to the Gaza Strip. Izz ad-Din al-Haddad, known as "Abu Saheeb," is a senior Hamas official who encouraged members of the terror group to create live footage of the assault. The day before the attack, the senior Hamas official held a secret meeting with his commanders and handed them a document containing battle orders. "Ensure that there is a live broadcast of the assault and takeover of the outposts and kibbutzim. The brigade's information (department) has permission to upload the footage (to the internet)," the document stated. "You may take flags of Arab and Islamic countries with you to hoist them atop the outposts and kibbutzim." The document does not include instructions to kidnap and murder civilians, and Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader who organized the Oct. 7 attack, has claimed that the atrocities of that day were because "People got carried away, and it shouldn't have happened." Israel Hayom asserted in its reporting, however, that additional documents recovered during Israel's military operation in Gaza show "the lengths to which [Oct. 7] was an engineered, planned, and precise operation that is very unlikely to have 'gotten out of control.'" The first wave of the attack, conducted by Nukhba forces, Hamas' elite terror unit, entered the kibbutz Kfar Aza with what the outlet described as "chilling efficiency." The Nukhba forces appeared to already know the location of the private home and armory of the kibbutz's security coordinator. Members of the Mizrahi family recalled how the terrorists took over their home, which did not appear to have been a coincidence, as Israel Hayom reported. The family's home faced the kibbutz's perimeter fence, which allowed the terror unit to easily shoot at IDF forces attempting to retake the kibbutz. After the first wave, the outlet reported that Mohammed Deif, the head of Hamas' military wing, called for people in Gaza to grab a weapon and join the assault against Israel in a message broadcast in Gaza's mosques. The outlet notes that similar instructions were given through Hamas' media outlets in the Gaza Strip and passed by word of mouth. The "incitement calls" were carefully planned in advance and were an attempt to "flood the Gaza border communities with as many vengeful and hate-filled Gaza residents as possible, who would enter Israel under the cover of the breaches provided by the first wave of the Nukhba force," according to Israel Hayom. A third wave of individuals who joined the attack appears to have been civilians who took advantage of the opportunity, as Israel Hayom reported. The Israeli intelligence community labeled the individuals who participated in this third wave as "looters" or "mob." "There are quite a few people who say in interrogations, 'We heard Mohammed Deif in the mosque, we took a knife, and our goal was to slaughter Jews,'" a police source told the outlet. Multiple former hostages taken by the terror group on Oct. 7 have told the media that during their time in captivity, they were held in civilian homes in Gaza or hospitals. Another document uncovered by the IDF described Hamas' goal of taking control of 221 settlements in southern Israel and expelling the "settlers" from these areas. The document stated that Hamas' leadership expected Israel to respond to the terrorist attack with force, "not only with strikes but also with an atomic bomb," noting that they were ready for this action. The new documents' revelation comes as written orders reported on by The Wall Street Journal last October suggest terrorists were directed to maximize human losses and take hostages. Additionally, elementary schools and youth centers were among the primary targets. One set of orders targeted the farming community of Alumim and instructed militants to "achieve the highest level of human losses." In the farming community of Sa'ad, terrorists were ordered to "take control of the kibbutz, kill as many individuals as possible, and capture hostages." For communities like Kfar Aza and Nahal Oz, details were provided about points of entry and modes of transportation for the attackers. Hamas also reportedly conducted dress rehearsals of its attack, according to a propaganda video posted to social media on Sept. 12, according to The Hill. The video showed militants using explosives to get through a replica border gate and going building to building in a reconstruction of an Israeli town. 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 Missouri AG to investigate gym chain that let a man use women's locker room Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey accused a Life Time Fitness center of valuing political correctness over safety following reports that the gym allowed a man who identifies as female to change in the locker room intended for women and young girls. Bailey announced the investigation into Life Time Fitness in Ellisville on Friday after receiving multiple reports from his constituents that the gym reportedly ignored members' safety concerns and instructed them to use the male's "correct pronouns." Bailey served Life Time Fitness with a notice that it is now under investigation for policies that allegedly enable criminal behavior. 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 "As Attorney General, I will vigorously defend and enforce Missouri's laws. You face both potential criminal and civil liabilities, and you can expect to receive civil investigative demands from my office in short order," Bailey stated in the notice of investigation. "If you insist on endangering women and young girls in our state, in open defiance of the law, be assured you will face the consequences." Citing the 2015 case State v. Girardier, Bailey argued that the Missouri Court of Appeals confirmed a man entering a restroom with clear markings intended for women is a form of trespass. The court determined that Charles D. Girardier III knowingly entered and refused to leave a women's restroom in violation of Section 569.140 of the Revised Statues of Missouri. "Additionally, a male who exposes his genitals in the presence of others in the restroom may be subject to further criminal liability for multiple sexual offenses, including sexual misconduct in the first degree and the felony offense of sexual misconduct involving a child," Bailey stated in his notice of investigation, citing statutes 566.093 and 566.083. "Your policies are enabling potentially criminal behavior, and I am writing to assure you that it will not continue on my watch." Republican Missouri State Rep. Justin Sparks of the 110th District also raised awareness about the issue in a Thursday statement calling for an investigation to determine if illegal activity occurred and if Life Time Fitness failed to notify law enforcement. According to Sparks, the biological male could have entered the locker room when minors were present. The state representative also noted that the man presented a state-issued license that identified him as female. "The use of this facility by the individual in question raises significant concerns about the safety and privacy of all members, particularly minors," Sparks stated. The name of the individual who used the women's locker room is Eris Montano, First Alert 4 reports. Before he joined the gym, Montano changed the gender marker on his driver's license from male to female. Montano told the outlet that he was "glad" the gym would allow him to use the locker room intended for women. Before the announcement of the investigation, Montano said that another gym member confronted him about changing in the women's locker room but insisted that other members had supported him using the women's facilities. "There have been way more people in the locker room who have come up to me to give me hugs and tell me I belong there," he said. In response to an inquiry from The Christian Post, a Life Time Fitness spokesperson attached a copy of Missouri's Gender Designation Change Request form. The spokesperson insisted that the health club complies with the law. Highlighting the State v. Girardier decision that Bailey cited in his notice of investigation, the spokesperson argued that the man involved in that case possessed a state-issued ID identifying him as male. The spokesperson contended that contrary to the appellant in that case, the man who entered the women's locker room at the Life Time Fitness center in Missouri had a state-issued ID identifying him as female. "These stories without the full context continue to create strife and polarization, fueling more reasons why we are where we are as a country," the spokesperson continued. "We respect the varying opinions that people have on this topic and are empathetic, yet the fact is that in many instances, companies are caught in the middle when it comes to following the law in order to remain open." "For people with strong convictions about this and other issues, we encourage them to go directly to their legislators, representatives, and other government officials to drive change." In a statement, Life Time Fitness insisted that its centers review a person's state-issued IDs when they join the gym. "The State of Missouri provides a mechanism for an individual to change their gender designation on their state-issued drivers' license," the company stated. "In this instance, the member presented a state-issued drivers' license identifying as female and, based on Missouri laws, we cannot deny or discriminate on the basis of sex." Due to this mechanism, Life Time insisted that Montano be allowed to use the women's locker room. The health club chain assured that it is "committed to providing safe, welcoming and respectful environments." "To the extent we receive reports of conduct inconsistent with our club policies, we review and address them," Life Time stated. "We encourage members who believe they've experienced a policy violation to inform a member of our club management team and, as appropriate, contact local authorities. The safety and security of our members and guests is paramount." A similar controversy erupted earlier this year after a Planet Fitness in Alaska revoked the membership of a woman who complained about about a man shaving in the women's locker room. A video of the woman recapping the incident went viral after Libs of TikTok retweeted it. In the video, the woman said she understands the man identifies as a woman, but he is still a man in a private space for women. She added that she "love[s] [the man] in Christ," but she isn't comfortable having a man in the women's locker room. Home News Pastor Josiah Anthony engaged in sexual messaging with women, Cross Timbers Church reveals Days after claiming their former lead pastor resigned over inappropriate and hurtful behavior toward current and former staff that was not sexual, elders of Cross Timbers Church in Argyle, Texas, said they discovered that Josiah Anthony engaged in behavior that was sexual in nature and are bracing for more allegations to come. After announcing Josiahs resignation to our congregation, we then learned about additional inappropriate comments he made in text messages and through social media that were sexual in nature, the elders of the Texas megachurch said in a new statement to congregants published by survivor advocate, Amy Smith on Friday. We want to be very clear; we do not consider any of these instances to be emotional affairs. Because the power dynamic of these interactions were never equal, we do not consider these to be consensual. This behavior will not be tolerated at our church. 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 In a statement read to the congregation two Sundays ago, John Chalk, the most senior member of the churchs elder board, said Anthonys struggle with his emotional and mental health had caused him to engage in inappropriate and hurtful actions toward current and former staff at the church, but it never involved anything sexual even though those actions led to his resignation. In the elder board's latest statement, they provide a more comprehensive accounting of the events that led to Anthonys resignation. At the end of June, before Josiah entered his annual sabbatical, we received a concerning report of inappropriate communication on social media with a woman who is a former member of our church. This was taken very seriously by the elders, and we were grateful it was brought to our attention, the elders said. Josiah has been open in his preaching about his mental health issues. And he suggested that his actions were a result of his struggles. However, upon further investigation, we discovered that Josiah was not forthcoming or transparent, and had a concerning pattern of behavior communicating inappropriately with women, they added. After learning about Anthonys inappropriate communication that was not sexual but excessively personal, and overtly familiar with a former staff member on July 2, the elders said they asked him to resign. They later learned of his sexual communication. We may learn more in the coming days; we commit to take additional action, as necessary. This will be a continual process, but the elders, and staff are committed to having a culture of support and care for every current and former member of our church, they said. The elders also noted that Toby Slough, the churchs founding, and legacy pastor, will take over as interim lead pastor in light of the new development until a replacement for Anthony has been found. 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 News Women's group opposes Shapiro as Kamalas VP pick over handling of sexual harassment claim A womens group is calling on Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democrat nominee in the 2024 presidential election, not to pick Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro as her running mate due to concerns about how he handled sexual assault claims that emerged in his office. Harris is expected to reveal her vice presidential pick no later than Tuesday. Shapiro is widely seen as one of the frontrunners to secure a place on the Democrats presidential ticket. The National Womens Defense League, which describes itself as a nonpartisan organization dedicated to preventing sexual harassment and protecting survivors, released a statement on Facebook last week expressing concern about the possibility that Harris might pick Shapiro. 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 American people deserve to know that if called to a higher office, Governor Josh Shapiro will do more to ensure the safety and dignity of employees, volunteers and constituents in his office," the NWDL stated. "As the Harris campaign and the Democratic Party consider their options for vice presidential candidates, we urge them to consider the handling of past complaints of sexual harassment inside the Pennsylvania governor's office." The NWDL specifically brought up sexual harassment happening in [Shapiros] own office by Cabinet Secretary Mike Vereb, asserting that the office should have done a better job preventing it from happening in the first place. Examples of actions it wished Shapiros office would have taken include protecting the survivor who bravely came forward, ensuring that any other potential survivors felt safe in speaking up, and ensuring that the harasser didnt have the opportunity to do further harm after the complaint. Our research indicates that there is rarely only one survivor in cases like this one, the group added. When it comes to sexual harassment, silence is not golden its a red flag. Often, it indicates that others may not feel safe or supported in coming forward with their truth. NWDL acknowledges potential silent survivors and we stand with those who choose not to share their experiences publicly. According to the group, [s]exual harassment is especially rampant in our government and political workspaces, and we need leaders who will buck the pernicious status quo." "We deserve leaders who will not brush sexual harassment under the rug, but will put accountability above politics. We need leaders who prioritize effective policies, protocols and culture that prevents sexual harassment and protects survivors, they added. The subject of the sexual harassment complaint, Mike Vereb, served as secretary of legislative affairs from the start of the Shapiro administration in early 2023 until late September of that year. A statement from the governors office from last September announced that Vereb was resigning and praised the Republican former state representative for six years securing funding for law enforcement and enhancing school safety in the Office of Attorney General and the critical first year of our Administration getting a historic, bipartisan budget across the finish line. Shapiros Chief of Staff Dana Fritz described Vereb as a key member of our team, adding that they "wish Mike all the best and were grateful for his service. The statement did not mention any sexual harassment allegations against Vereb. A report from Spotlight PA details how an unnamed former staffer filed a complaint in May 2023 alleging that Vereb had made inappropriate, lewd and sexually suggestive comments to her and that the state retaliated against her when she raised questions about his image. Subsequent reporting reveals that the governors office released a settlement of $295,000 with the survivor that also requires staff to undergo sexual harassment training. The governors office has a policy in place requiring that the Equal Opportunity Officer of a particular agency where alleged acts of sexual harassment may have occurred to conduct an investigation after receiving a complaint that includes interviews with the complainant, alleged offender and any witnesses. Implemented in 2012, the policy predates Shapiros tenure as governor. Shapiro is seen as an attractive contender for the vice presidential nomination because he is governor of a critical swing state that has 19 electoral votes. The RealClearPolitics average of polls taken of Pennsylvania voters shows Harris trailing former President Donald Trump, her Republican opponent, by 1.8 percentage points. However, criticism of Shapiro extends beyond concerns about his offices handling of the sexual assault claim. Michael Moore, a progressive filmmaker and activist, has warned that Harris selection of Shapiro, an observant Jew and a strong supporter of Israel, could cost her support in the swing state of Michigan. In a Substack post published last week, Moore complained that Shapiro said its antisemitic for anyone to join the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel. Moore identified Shapiros position on Israel as well as his comments about college students protesting as behaviors that will diminish the Arab American vote for Harris and depress a large swath of the youth vote throughout the country, noting that Michigan has one of the largest Arab American populations in the nation. Michigan has 15 electoral college votes and the RealClearPolitics average of polls taken there shows Harris leading Trump by 2 percentage points. 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. Church leaders speak out against riots across UK Church leaders have spoken out against days of violent unrest across the UK. Gavin Calver, CEO of the UK Evangelical Alliance, said he was "praying fervently for peace in our communities". "May there be an end to all these awful riots, may the emergency services be free to do their jobs and may people feel safe again and able to live side by side in peace," he said on X. He said that there was a "need to intercede for the UK and for the nation to turn to Christ". "The next decade is so important for the church in this land as we seek to make Jesus known," he said. The Diocese of Exeter has also condemned the violence. "We deplore the attempts by some extremist groups to spread disinformation and stir up racial hatred and violence. We are grateful for the ongoing work of the Devon and Cornwall Police in ensuring the safety of all," it said. The Bishop of Norwich, Graham Usher, contrasted the joy of meeting a group of refugees at his official residence last week, with the violence of the last few days. "An afternoon of joy, of community, of sharing food, of loving our neighbours, of fostering hope. How easily in some places that is being broken by violence. But hope and love will win over hatred," he said. The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, said he was "deeply troubled and saddened" by the continued "senseless violence". "This action has no place in our society," he said, adding that he was "grateful for all those seeking peace in these communities including our police forces for their dedication". It follows the Archbishop of Canterbury's condemnation over the weekend of the violence and the use of Christian symbolism. "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," he said on X. In another post, he said: "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." Who wrote the Epistle of James and why is he important? The Epistle of James is often overlooked, but it was written by one of the most important people in the New Testament. This is the story ... The name James James is a very common Christian name for boys in the English-speaking world and one of the most popular names in the UK, Australia and the US. The name comes into English from old French via the Latin form 'Iacomus'. Forms of the name vary in different languages. In French it is Jacques, in German Jakob, in Welsh and Spanish it is Iago, and in Irish it becomes Seamus. Kings of Scotland The name James has been used in England since the 13th century, though it became more common in Scotland. Scotland had many kings called James starting with James I in 1394, through to James VI of Scotland in 1566. It was James VI who became James I of England in 1603, and the first king to rule both the Kingdoms of England and Scotland. King James Bible It was King James VI and I who commissioned the Bible published in 1611, and known in Britain as the Authorised Version (AV). He did not translate it himself, and in fact it was not really a translation, but a revision of the Bishop's Bible, but it is commonly called the King James Version (KJV) or the King James Bible (KJB). Jacob or James? In Greek the name (Iakobos) is the form of the Hebrew name Jacob. In English, Jacob and James are effectively two forms of the same name. Some Christians claim that 'Jacob' was replaced by the name 'James' in the Authorised Version of the Bible to please the King. However this is a myth, because the spelling 'Iames' is used in Tyndale's New Testament from 1526, and before that by Wycliffe. It was then spelt 'Iames' instead of 'James', because it was before the letter J came into common use. The grandson of King James VI was known as James VII in Scotland and James II in England. He was deposed in 1688, and his followers, and the followers of his descendants are known as the Jacobites, because the Latin form of James was Jacobus. The two men called James In the New Testament we find some names borne by many people such as Joseph, Mary, and James. To distinguish the two men called James who are both in the New Testament, the apostle James, son of Zebedee has been traditionally called James the Great, and James, brother of Jesus, has been traditionally called James the Just. Actually neither is really called James at all. It is the enduring tradition in English Bibles, even in modern translations, to use the traditional forms of names, and in Hebrew they are both the same name which in the Old Testament is rendered Jacob. James the Just James the Just, is traditionally believed to be the author of the Book of James. James was a son of Mary and Joseph, and thus a half-brother to Jesus. When Jesus's blood-brothers are mentioned in Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3, it is the name of James which always appears first, before Joseph (Joses), Judas and Simon, which suggests he was probably the eldest. In the four Gospel accounts, James is only mentioned a couple of times. He originally does not seem to have been a believer (John 7:2-5). However, James became one of the earliest witnesses of his brother's resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:7). James in the Early Church James then stays in Jerusalem, and joins a group who meet in the upper room (Acts 1:14). James was resident in Jerusalem when the newly converted Saul (later more commonly known by his Roman name of Paul) came to meet with him and Peter (Galatians 1:19). When Peter escapes from prison, it is to James that he reports about the escape (Acts 12:17). When the Council of Jerusalem meets it seems to be chaired by James (Acts 15:13-19). His desire was peace within the diverse Church. He was no legalist and emphasised grace over law, and gracious care for Gentile believers. St Paul mentions meeting James in Galatians 1:18-2:10, and calls him a 'pillar' of the Church (Galatians 2:9), along with Peter and John. Martyrdom It is believed that James was martyred, although there is no biblical record of his death. However the death of James was recorded by the Jewish historian Josephus in his "Antiquities of the Jews". Josephus calls James 'the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ' and records that he was stoned on the order of Ananus ben Ananus, the High Priest. This event is usually dated to 62 AD, which also helps us date his letter. The Epistle of James James is usually recognised as the author of the Epistle of James. Assuming he was killed in AD 62, the letter was probably written somewhere between AD 50 and his AD 60. James identifies himself by name, and simply describes himself as 'a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ' (James 1:1). James seems to have been humble, and never used his position as Jesus' brother as a basis for authority. His letter is a very practical down to earth implementation of faith. Martin Luther famously called the letter an 'epistle of straw' because he alleged it had 'nothing of the nature of the Gospel about it'. However James was no theologian like Paul. He was the leader of the Church concerned about behaviour and ethics. It was James who cut through the legalism and controversies to see the heart of Jesus, and wrote, 'Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world' (James 1:27 NIV). Jesus never left anything written down, but if you knew that the eldest of his brothers who grew up with him had written a letter, would you not want to read it? Aboneaza-te la rubricile dorite si primeste zilnic notificari pe email cu link-uri la articolele care au fost adaugate in ultimele 24 de ore. Notificarile vor fi expediate la adresa indicata mai jos. Daca doresti sa schimbi adresa - o poti modifica editand informatia de profil aici. A Citizens Advice office in Sunderland has been badly damaged following riots in the city and across the country over the weekend. Rioters in Sunderland attacked police officers, and damaged buildings and mosques on Friday evening. Videos show firefighters tackling the flames and smoke coming out of a Citizens Advice building. More than 10,000 has been raised for Citizens Advice Sunderland following the damage. Damage investigated Denise Irving, chief officer at Citizens Advice Sunderland, said: This is a devastating situation for our local community. Our primary focus will be ensuring we can continue to support those who need our help. Our regular office in Waterloo Place will be closed as the damage is investigated. But our staff and volunteers from Waterloo Place will be at the City Hall in Sunderland from Monday, and our Washington office will be open as usual so were still there for people. The charity said in a statement on social media that it is working with the team in Sunderland to provide support to them and help them be there for the people who need advice going forward. Clare Moriarty, chief executive of the national Citizens Advice charity, said: Its heartbreaking to see this. Repairing the physical damage in Sunderland will be a huge job but whats really important is the services they provide. She said the staff in Sunderland were determined to continue providing services for the local community and would need all our support. Fundraiser raises over 10,000 A fundraiser has been set up to assist Citizens Advice Sunderland who have been victim of the horrific riots in Sunderland. Let's help Citizens Advice Sunderland rebuild after the horrific riots. They need our support now more than ever. Please donate, like, comment, and share to spread the word. Every bit helps! https://t.co/yqjFGIJPPV Citizens Advice Woking (@WokingCA) August 5, 2024 So far, over 10,000 has been raised, surpassing the initial 2,000 goal, with more than 400 donations. Six people will appear in court on Monday morning after their alleged involvement in riots in Sunderland, with more arrested. Another fundraising appeal, launched last week following an attack in Southport, Merseyside, has raised over 90,000 so far. The National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA) published a statement today condemning the violent disorder in recent days. It said it was working with the Voluntary and Community Sector Emergencies Partnership (VCSEP) to support its members who are: Working to get messages out across communities and community organisations on the support available, how to stay safe. Helping with local coordination of clean-up efforts where that is safe and appropriate, fundraising and support for communities affected to offer practical support. Working with the voluntary, community and faith sector, statutory partners including local authorities and others to start to re-build trust and develop cohesive communities. Prime minister Keir Starmer is holding a meeting of the Cobra emergency committee today after condemning far-right thuggery in a statement yesterday . Starmer also 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. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, Sign up for The Media Today, CJRs daily newsletter. In 2011, I attended an advertising conference that seemed like a rather workaday affair, until we were treated to a Mick Jaggerjumps-on-the-stage kind of moment: Clay Christensen, the Harvard Business School professor famed for his work on innovation, showed up. He told media executives to stop trying to create new products within their old structures, which were naturally inclined to quash innovation. His comments reflected a piece he cowrote a year later: Projects that are inconsistent with a companys existing profit model will naturally be accorded the lowest priority or, worse yet, face hostility from the legacy business. Whats most important is that a disruptive start-up not be placed at the mercy of the old organizationwhich might see the upstart as a competitive threat and attempt to have it shut down or cause it to fail. Christensen nailed the key issue, then and now: newsroom managers must figure out if their current staff is equippedintellectually, emotionally, technologicallyto handle the pace of change in the business. This is at the core of recent moves at the Washington Post, which is beset by plummeting readership and revenue. A recent upheaval at the top ranks came with a warning from its owner, Jeff Bezos: The world is evolving rapidly, and we do need to change as a business. The remedy devised by the Posts new publisher, Will Lewis, is a new, if so far ill-defined, third newsroom. It will be designed to operate separately from the main newsroom and will serve up service and social media journalism for readers who feel traditional news is not for them. That sounds reasonable. But a skunkworks often leaves a bad odor. Internecine battles can stymie innovation. Journalists and producers stake out their ground and dont budge. And dual staffs are expensive. Mark Thompson, who took over a troubled CNN after a lauded eight years as New York Times chief executive, recently announced that the networks separate tribes of TV and digital, international and domestic newsrooms would soon be merged into a single global multimedia editorial operation. Related to that: CNN would cut around a hundred jobs. So which is it? Create a new unit to forge the future, or build from within to ensure cost control and acceptance from your core staff? I lived through this myself, having served as managing editor of WSJ.com in the early 2000s, after five years wrangling long-form stories on the print sides Page One desk. The Online Journal had already amassed a (then unheard-of) half million subscribers by the time I got there, and it was mostly governed by executives who werent beholden to the legacy print operation. Then, shortly after I started at WSJ.com, the 9/11 attacks forced us to evacuate the Journals Lower Manhattan headquarters, sending our online group to a forlorn back office in New Jersey for a year, and then an office in New Yorks trendy SoHo neighborhood for another year. Sign up for CJRs daily email During those years, and several that followed, our staff of around sixty were largely left on our own to decide which stories would top the homepage, how frequently news events would be updated, and what features we could devise and publish without a finger-wagging executive telling us why we dont do that here. We were encouraged to leverage the credibility and content of the legacy Journal without a lot of the strictures. And let me tell you, it was glorious. We introduced video, blogs, podcastswhatever we could that would take advantage of digital platforms. That included the Parsing the Fed examination of subtle word changes that presaged big shifts in monetary policy; offbeat features like Whats Your Workout? and the NewsHound quiz; and regular columns by print reporters covering industries like cars and airlines, enabling them to expand their reach and develop their online voice. Whatever we did, it seemed to work. The Online Journal surpassed a million subscribers by 2007. And then the fun and games ended. WSJs legacy editors wanted more say over the high-growth part of the business. Print reporters were wising up to the fact that their audience was moving online. And our dot-com staff had to acknowledge that a merger made sense, since the core newsrooms journalism was still the main reason for people to subscribe. That merger got underway more than fifteen years ago, but as the turmoil at the Post and CNN show, this issue hasnt gone away, particularly for bigger companies. Most small news organizations dont have the luxury of creating separate entities to execute new ideas. Many digital-only news sites have innovation built into their DNA, and the very idea of a split would seem odd. So is it a problem, or an opportunity? It depends on how you frame it. For Martin Nisenholtz, who helped launch the New York Times digital efforts in the mid-1990s, a separate operation was especially important when dealing with competitors. During most of Nisenholtzs reign at the Times, the site was free, and the strategy focused on traffic, since ads were the primary revenue source. The company made the decision to create a separate organization, to develop its own culture within that organization, Nisenholtz recalls now. That organization would compete not with printed newspapers, but with CNN.com and Yahoo News. We couldnt have cared less about the Chicago Tribune or the Los Angeles Times. The Times online staff was initially in a separate building, several blocks from the mother ship. It would move back under the same roof, as presaged in a 2005 memo from Nisenholtz and thenexecutive editor Bill Keller: By integrating the newsrooms we plan to diminish and eventually eliminate the difference between newspaper journalists and Web journalists, they vowed. Even so, the digital staff pushed its own ethos of experimentation, from speeding up real-time news coverage to inviting readers to submit photos from Grateful Dead concerts. The staff developed a swagger, often to the consternation of print colleagues. And their relentless focus on traffic didnt sit well with some print colleagues. Jim Roberts was at the Times for twenty-six years, including a role leading the digital newsroom while the ad market collapsed amid the 2008 financial crisis. At that time, digital was free, Roberts told me. And I remember one encounter that I had with a colleague in the print newsroom. It was aggressive! He said, Why are you trying to kill the New York Times? It wasnt just the news side that saw a problem. Vivian Schiller, who served as general manager of the Times website, recalls a tremendous amount of resentment and suspicion going both ways. It was clear the digital people thought newspaper people didnt understand anything about digital, which by the way was true. And the newspaper people felt digital people didnt understand our values. That could slow things down. For some print journalists, Schiller noted, digital integration consisted of offering an enterprise story, after which they would come up with ideas like, Just add four pictures. It was ridiculous. Meanwhile, executives on the print side came to believe that the digital newsroom had become a fiefdom, as Adam Nagourney noted in his recent book The Times. It was sovereign and overseen by editors resistant to meddling from superiors who did not really understand this new world. Digital editors like Roberts were just as powerful as their counterparts running the print newspaper. They decided what stories should go on the homepage and how long they should stay there. That couldnt last forever. As the sites business side moved from an advertiser- to a subscriber-first model, a merger would become critical. And, as Schiller notes, trust began to build over time. It was, in hindsight, the only way it could have gone. But there wouldnt be room for some of the digital stalwarts, including Roberts, who took a buyout. The Washington Post took the separate route a step further, establishing its digital newsroom across the Potomac River, in Arlington. There were financial reasons, since Virginia is a right-to-work state, but structural ones as well. It was important to be birthing this new thing outside the purview of the paper, which did not know what the Web was, and more importantly, didnt care, recalls Jim Brady, a former executive editor of the site and now vice president of journalism at the Knight Foundation. Under Bradys leadership, the site was known for pioneering videos and blogs at a time when other outlets were still posting PDFs of their print editions. The staff was able to experiment like crazy without anybody at the paper being able to say, Im not comfortable with that, because they didnt know enough to be comfortable or not comfortable. That was really freeing, and it allowed WashingtonPost.com to develop this culture of innovation and Lets try anything. And then, as at the Times, Brady says, theres a point where that doesnt work anymore. Theres a point where everybody agrees [the Web] is an important thing. Without a merger, your responsibility and your decision-making gets bifurcated, which is going to slow you down. As the Posts merger ensued, Brady, like Roberts at the Times, was out the door. A few months later, Brady appeared at a conference in Austin, where he was asked to reflect on how new and legacy staffs should be combined. I think, conceptually, merging newsrooms is the right thing, he told the crowd. And then he added, A lot of newsrooms have merged the same way Germany and Poland merged in 1939. The newspaper has taken over the website, and the website staffers have become third/fourth-class citizens. Their voice is sort of drowned out by the mere fact that they are outnumberedby folks on the print side. Even digital-only newsrooms can face this dilemma, and the same resolution. In 2011, Politico launched its Pro edition, designed to offer microscopically detailed news about legislation and policy to an elite, high-paying audience. Politico executives knew they couldnt rely on their existing reporters, many of whom were hired for their ability to churn out juicy tidbits and scoops about politics for a free site. So, as cofounder Jim VandeHei said at the time, they established Politico Pro as an entirely separate entity, with new staff from top to bottom, because we dont want to do anything that would weaken our existing site. In the process, they hired reporters who would be eager to sort through arcane regulatory filings and sit through hours-long subcommittee hearings to generate the kind of news that a cable-industry lobbyist would die for. Starting the Pro newsroom as its own unit made sense at the time, recalls Matthew Kaminski, Politicos former top editor: When youre trying to innovate, youre trying to innovate quickly. You do want to protect it, because you want to be something different. And Pro worked, reportedly generating around half the companys $200 million in revenue when Politico was sold to Axel Springer. But even so, there was inefficiency and duplication company-wide, so editors merged the Pro staff and a few other discrete units into an all-encompassing newsroom they named One Politico. Kaminski and three colleagues announced in a 2020 memo that well group people together based on what they donot on which business unit their team was initially created to support. So, for example, there will be Pro subscribersbut no more Pro reporters or editors. It was, they said, the most far-reaching editorial reimagination weve pushed through at Politico since birth in 2007. Dueling newsrooms can also backfire on the careers of the people who run them. Just ask Lewis, the Post chief executive who is pioneering that third newsroom. In 2009, while running The Telegraph news operations in the UK, Lewis was put in charge of a new digital unit designed to capitalize on cutting edge ideas, driving new revenue streams. Less than six months later, he was out of a job amid a dispute over his departments unclear business prospects and the question of whether it would be a separate, entrepreneurial outfit, or a hybrid part of the Telegraph empire. Split newsrooms work until they dont. For news organizations that can afford the costs and attract the talent, they can incubate ideas and execute them deftly, without the bureaucratic wrangling that legacy staffs often impose. But if theyre successfulas Politico Pro was, and as the sites at the Times, Post, and Journal werethe main company will reabsorb them, like the burying beetles that eat their young to ensure the species will survive. You might think that those of us who led these satellite operations would be bitter about the mergers. But I dont feel that way about my WSJ experience, nor do other managers Ive spoken with. Says the Times Roberts: As hard as it was to leave, and as difficult as some of those moments were toward the end, I achieved most of what I set out to do. And there were plenty of people in the newsroom who were capable of carrying it on. Bill Grueskin is on the faculty at Columbia Journalism School. He has previously worked as founding editor of a newspaper on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation, city editor of the Miami Herald, deputy managing editor of the Wall Street Journal, and an executive editor at Bloomberg News. He is a graduate of Stanford University (Classics) and Johns Hopkinss School of Advanced International Studies (US Foreign Policy and International Economics). Insurance fraud is rampant. It is considered to be the second costliest white-collar crime in America after tax evasion, costing consumers an estimated $308.6 billion each year. It may involve outright fraudsuch as a staged accident, arson, identity theft, contractor fraud or medical fraudor it may involve soft fraud, such as a padded property claim or an exaggerated injury claim. In either case, fraud is pervasive, and combatting fraud is a challenge for all involved. To avoid bad faith and potential extra-contractual penalties in the current litigious environment, insurance claim professionals must conduct their claim investigations while considering regulatory requirements, case law and industry standards, along with the potential legal ramifications for failing to adequately investigate suspicious claims. Most states have an Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act or similar statutes penalizing insurers who unreasonably fail to settle covered claims, such as Georgia statutes O.C.G.A. 33-4-6, 33-4-7. With strong lobbying from the plaintiffs bar, some states are broadening these regulations to the point where some courts have interpreted these new measures to authorize personal liability against individual adjusters for bad-faith claims handling. A case to note is Keodalah v. Allstate Ins. Co., 194 Wash. 2d 31 (2018), finding that the states Insurance Fair Conduct Act imposes a duty of good faith on corporate and individual insurance adjusters alike. Thankfully, that case was overturned, but only by a narrow 5-4 margin (Keodalah v. Allstate, 194 Wash. 2d 339, (2019)). It should come as no surprise that incidents of fraud spike after states enact such measures. So, what are adjusters and insurance carriers to do? It is important to stay up to date on your states laws, both statutory and common law, to ensure you are complying with the processes and time limits set forth by the governing body of your state. Keep in mind that most states require an insurance carrier to satisfy not only the procedural requirements of a states bad-faith statute but also the substantive requirements of the statute. For example, under Georgia law, there can be no finding of bad faith under O.C.G.A. 33-4-6 if it can be said as a matter of law that there was a reasonable defense which vindicates the good faith of the insurer and that the insurer had reasonable and probable cause for making a defense to the claim. (Colonial Life & Accident Ins. Co. v. McClain, 243 Ga. 263, 265 (1979)). Additionally, with no statutory definition of bad faith, Georgia courts have defined bad faith as a frivolous and unfounded refusal in law or in fact to provide coverage according to the terms of the policy. (Interstate Life & Accident Ins. Co. v. Williamson, 220 Ga. 323 (1964)). Furthermore, whether the insurers denial was frivolous or unfounded is determined based on the evidence presented at trial, not at the time the claim decision was made. (Hudson v. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 201 Ga App. 351 (1991)). Continuing your thorough investigation with an examination under oath is critical because an EUO, unlike a recorded statement, can be useful as impeachment evidence should the matter go to trial. An EUO also provides insurance carriers with broader access to information than a deposition. One example of the benefits of an EUO is that an insured may not invoke legal privileges, even the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. Harary v. Allstate Ins. Co., 988 F. Supp. 93, 103 (E.D.N.Y. 1997), affd, 162 F.3d 1147 (2d Cir. 1998) found an insured may not use her Fifth Amendment privilege as a sword against her fire insurer; Pervis v. State Farm Fire and Cas. Co., 901 F.2d 944 (11th Cir. 1998) held that the Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination did not excuse the insured from fulfilling his contractual obligation to answer questions that were material to the insurers investigation during examination under oath. Pretrial discovery also plays a critical role in uncovering fraud since the determination of whether an insurance carriers decision was made in bad faith depends upon the sufficiency of its evidence in court. Your legal counsel should be seeking legally credible and reliable copies of all documents relied upon for a fraud defense to ensure the records will be admissible in litigation. This includes documents such as phone records and bank statements in first-party claims and all pre- and post-accident medical and pharmacy records in injury claims. As such, it is important to document the claim file thoroughly with as much information as possible but also to understand that certain information may require a subpoena to be obtained from other sources if the claim progresses into litigation. Finally, insurance carriers also must consider the potential exposure for failing to investigate claims, whether failing to investigate based upon a cost-benefit analysis or some urgency in processing claims such as in a catastrophe setting. Insurance fraud is a crime in every state. Many states have insurance fraud bureaus or departments that investigate illegal insurance activities. Several states require insurers to have mandatory fraud plans and to report insurance fraud when discovered. Several states also have immunity laws designed to enable insurance companies to report their fraud without limited risk of criminal or civil prosecution. Investigating fraud is, in many states, an insurers obligation. Fraud is everywhere. Diligent claim handling is more than dotting the Is and crossing the Ts. It is using all resources the policy and applicable law provide you while allowing your inherent curiosity to lead you to the proper legal and ethical conclusion. Segel is a partner in Swift Curries Atlanta office. She represents insurance carriers and businesses in commercial litigation and insurance coverage matters with an emphasis on defending against bad faith and fraudulent claims. The vast majority of damages from last months CrowdStrike Holdings Inc.s global IT outage will go uninsured, according to new estimates from Guy Carpenter and CyberCube Analytics Inc. The days-long cyberincident which grounded planes, shuttered businesses and stopped markets cost Fortune 500 companies about $5.4 billion in damages, according to insurance company Parametrix. But insured losses are expected to be far less than that. Reinsurance broker Guy Carpenter estimated this week that insured losses will range from $300 million to $1 billion, while the risk analytics firm CyberCube puts that figure between $400 million and $1.5 billion. The forecasts signal a relatively muted insurance response to one of the biggest cyber incidents. In its latest earnings report, CrowdStrike reported a total of nearly 24,000 enterprise customers, including nearly 60% of the Fortune 500. But, according to Guy Carpenters estimates published on Thursday, fewer than 1% of global companies with cyber insurance saw an impact from the outage. Related: Moodys Eyes Downstream Impact of CrowdStrike Disruption on Cyber Insurance There are some uninsured or underinsured companies suffering impacts at a wide range of severity, Erica Davis, global co-head of cyber at Guy Carpenter, told Bloomberg News, adding that other factors, including the relatively short duration of the outage, are also likely to widen the gap between actual damage and insurable damage. Since the outage began with a botched software update rather than a cyberattack, the non-malicious nature of the incident will also limit the scope of coverage, Guy Carpenter said. CyberCube added that while the IT crash was a major event for cyber insurers, it does not come close to the destructive potential that leading insurers are holding capital against. Related: CrowdStrikes Tests Failed to Flag Bug Behind Epic Crash Marsh, the worlds largest insurance brokerage, had over 75 clients warn of potential cyber claims on July 19, the first day of the outage, Bloomberg previously reported. That number has since passed 200, said Meredith Schnur, Marshs cyber practice leader for the US and Canada. Delta Air Lines Inc., which was dealt a notably harsh blow, has since hired attorney David Boies to seek possible compensation from CrowdStrike and Microsoft Corp. for the incident, which cost the airline $500 million, Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian told CNBC this week. Although lawyers are circling, estimates suggest a sizable but manageable insured loss, Guy Carpenter said in its report this week. Top photo: The Microsoft Corp. Windows Recovery screen displayed at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on July 19. Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. has agreed to pay almost $2 billion as part of a $4 billion settlement to resolve hundreds of lawsuits over wildfires in Maui that killed dozens of people and destroyed the historic town of Lahaina last year. The company and other parties reached an agreement in principle to settle all tort claims from the disaster, according to a statement by Hawaiian Electric on Friday. The state of Hawaii, Maui County and telecommunications companies were among the other defendants who signed the comprehensive agreement that will resolve claims on behalf of thousands of homeowners and businesses impacted by one of the worst wildfires in US history. Bloomberg News earlier reported the parties were nearing a settlement. Achieving this resolution will allow all parties to move forward without the added challenges and divisiveness of the litigation process, Shelee Kimura, president and chief executive officer of Hawaiian Electric, said in the statement. The Maui fires damaged or destroyed about 2,200 structures, the majority of them homes, and killed 102 people. The capital cost of the disaster was estimated at $5.5 billion, according to a damage assessment released last year. Hawaiian Electric had been criticized for not turning off the power before the fires broke out in August 2023, despite warnings that hot, dry, gale-force winds would create critical fire conditions. The disaster has cast a shadow over the companys finances, causing a plunge in its share price and the slashing of its credit ratings to junk. The utility has acknowledged strong winds downed electric power lines and snapped power poles, causing a small blaze near Lahaina the morning of Aug. 8. However, utility executives said firefighters extinguished that blaze and left the site, where a fire later flared up in the afternoon after it had turned off the power. That series of events was confirmed by a report issued in April by the Hawaii Attorney General. Maui County had sued Hawaiian Electric, claiming it failed to properly prepare equipment for the threat of wildfires. Hawaiian Electric filed a countersuit blaming the county. Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns deep passing game showed some signs of life on Sunday when they returned to Berea for their first practice of camp at the team facility. In particular, Deshaun Watson hit two deep highlights, one to Jaelon Darden and another to Jerry Jeudy. The first was an underthrown ball Darden needed to adjust to catch in front of Denzel Ward. The second was probably Watsons best throw of camp to end the practice. Watson to Jeudy pic.twitter.com/z53UPcwskQ Dan Labbe (@dan_labbe) August 4, 2024 Fanatics Sportsbook UP TO $1,000 BET MATCH BONUS CLAIM OFFER Must be 21 . GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ, CO, IL, IN, KY, MI, NC, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV); (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT); 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA); (800) 327-5050 or gamblinghelpline.org (MA), mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1800gambler.net (WV) Watson picked by Ward pic.twitter.com/gdvZUcR2Pt Dan Labbe (@dan_labbe) August 4, 2024 China donates 3 mln USD to UN agency for aid in Gaza Xinhua) 08:29, August 05, 2024 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. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) A view of storage tanks and pipelines at the Shell Carson Distribution Complex, a distribution hub for petroleum products, in Carson, California, on March 11, 2022. U.S. crude oil futures fell to a six-month low on Monday as equity markets sold off on fears the economy might be teetering on the brink of a recession. West Texas Intermediate is now up roughly 2% for the year while Brent is now down marginally for 2024, after trading higher for months on geopolitical risk in the Middle East and forecasts that the oil market would tighten in the third quarter. U.S. crude oil closed below $73 per barrel, the lowest settlement since Feb. 5. "In times of crises all assets correlate," Matt Smith, lead oil analyst for the Americas at Kpler, said of oil following equity markets lower. But geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and OPEC's ongoing production cuts are providing a floor for crude prices, Smith said. Here are Monday's closing energy prices: The sell-off comes after U.S. job growth disappointed in July, with the unemployment rate rising to 4.3%, the highest level since October 2021. The U.S. manufacturing sector also contracted in July for the fourth consecutive month. The weak economic data in the U.S. comes as lackluster demand in China had already been spooking traders. "Already before we had the jobs report, already before the manufacturing data, we were concerned about weaker imports into China, weaker refinery utilization rates in China," Helima Croft, head of global commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets, said on CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Monday. In this photo, the logo of OpenAI is displayed on a mobile phone in front of a computer screen displaying the photographs of Elon Musk and Sam Altman, in Ankara, Turkey, on March 14, 2024. Elon Musk has revived a lawsuit against Sam Altman in federal court, alleging that the Tesla boss was manipulated into co-founding OpenAI, according to a court filing published Monday. The crux of Musk's claims center around his view that he was "courted and deceived" by Altman and current OpenAI President Greg Brockman into co-founding the artificial intelligence firm on the basis that it was a nonprofit. After Musk came on board and invested millions of dollars, the lawsuit claims he was "betrayed by Altman and his accomplices" as they, along with Microsoft , "established an opaque web of for-profit OpenAI affiliates, engaged in rampant self-dealing." "The perfidy and deceit are of Shakespearean proportions," the lawsuit alleges. The claims in the new lawsuit are similar to another lawsuit filed by Musk against OpenAI and Altman in California this year, which the Tesla and SpaceX boss ultimately dropped. Musk has been very vocal over the past few years about his fear of artificial intelligence and the dangers it poses to humanity. Musk states in the latest lawsuit, filed in a district court in Northern California, that he was "manipulated" into co-founding OpenAI by Altman and Brockman, who allegedly promised "that it would chart a safer, more open course than profit-driven tech giants." "Altman assured Musk that the non-profit structure guaranteed neutrality and a focus on safety and openness for the benefit of humanity, not shareholder value. But as it turns out, this was all hot-air philanthropythe hook for Altman's long con," the lawsuit claims. An OpenAI spokesperson pointed CNBC to a blog post after Musk's initial lawsuit in March. "As we said about Elon's initial legal filing, which was subsequently withdrawn, Elon's prior emails continue to speak for themselves," the spokesperson said. Microsoft declined to comment on this story. Tesla did not respond to CNBC's request for comment. Identifying OpenAI as a nonprofit with no shareholders, the lawsuit states that Microsoft "sought to obtain leverage in other ways by, for example, enticing OpenAI, Inc. to use and become inextricably dependent on Microsoft's cloud computing system." "While Musk expressed a liking for Microsoft's CEO Satya Nadella the values of the company and OpenAI, Inc. did not align," the lawsuit claims. Microsoft is the biggest investor in OpenAI and has poured a reported $13 billion into the company. "Over the course of the next few years and continuing to today, Microsoft methodically entrenched itself further into OpenAI," the lawsuit alleges. CNBC's Jordan Novet contributed to this report. 2024 was expected to be a " stock picker's year ," but macroeconomic uncertainties and some market volatility have seen many investors plow cash into exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Net flows into ETFs topped $200 million in the second quarter of this year, according to Fidelity, taking the year's total to $404 billion 85% higher than in the first half of 2023. ETFs hold a collection of securities , like stocks or bonds, and so offer more diversification than a single asset. This gives them a wide appeal, according to wealth manager Tariq Dennison. "[Even] professional investors including managers of some of the world's largest funds use ETFs as an easy button [for] diversified and easy access to different geographies and themes," Dennison, co-founder and investment advisor at GFM Asset Management, told CNBC Pro this month. CNBC Pro asked Dennison for his top ETF picks that someone looking to invest $50,000 can buy and hold long-term. Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF Dennison says he's "very happy" with the Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF (AVDV-US). "This is one example of an ETF that I would leave my money in and let it run for the next 100 years, if I reach a stage where I could never make any investment decisions," he said. The fund invests in non-U.S.-listed developed small-cap companies trading at low valuations and higher profitability ratios. British retailer Marks and Spencer and Swiss bank Swissquote are among its top holdings. The ETF is up around 7.83% so far this year, according to FactSet data, compared to 5.53% gains by its benchmark MSCI World ex-U.S. Small Cap index. DFA Dimensional U.S. Small Cap Value ETF Another small-cap-focused ETF on Dennison's radar is the Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF (DFSV-US), which owns companies that are "in corners of the market that are harder to reach." The fund's top holdings include Abercrombie & Fitch , Cadence Bank and Commercial Metals . The recommendation comes amid a renewed interest in the Russell 2000 index, which made significant gains last week before tapering off. The benchmark is now up 8.5% year-to-date. The Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF is currently around 6% higher over the year to date. Its benchmark MSCI USA Small Cap index is 6.84% higher. JPM Global Equity Multi-Factor UCITS ETF Beyond small-caps, Dennison described the JPM Global Equity Multi-Factor UCITS ETF (JPGL-IT, JPGL-DE, JPGL-CH) as his "single, go-to ETF right now." Names in its portfolio include Arista Networks and Walmart , along with international companies like Deutsche Telekom , ASM International and Novo Nordisk . "The nice thing about ETFs like JPGL is they tend to combine U.S. and non-U.S. exposure in a single fund, while investors often need to combine 2 or 3 U.S.-listed ETFs to get the same level of exposure," Dennison added. The ETF has year-to-date returns of around 10%. Fixed income ETFs U.S. investors wanting exposure to fixed income should consider the Dimensional Global Core Plus Fixed Income ETF (DFGP-US), according to Dennison. He said he prefers to invest in individual bonds, but likes the ETF's ability to "diversify across global bonds and hedge all of my exposure to a single currency throughout its target duration of around six years." U.S.-listed bond ETFs "are great for U.S. taxpayers," but can be unfavorable for investors elsewhere for tax reasons, he added, naming the Vanguard USD corporate bond UCITs ETF (VCPA-GB) as one he likes outside of the U.S. Year-to-date Dimensional's ETF has returned 1.53% over the year so far, while Vanguard's ETF has gained 2.53%. CNBC's Weizhen Tan, Ganesh Rao contributed reporting. Jenna Ellis, right, and Sydney Powell, attorneys for President Donald Trump, conduct a news conference at the Republican National Committee on lawsuits regarding the outcome of the 2020 presidential election on Thursday, November 19, 2020. Former Trump campaign attorney Jenna Ellis has agreed to cooperate with prosecutors in Arizona in their criminal cases against so-called fake electors and others who tried to reverse the 2020 election loss of former President Donald Trump, state Attorney General Kris Mayes said Monday. Prosecutors are dropping the nine felony counts that Ellis had faced including fraud, forgery and conspiracy in exchange for her cooperation against the remaining 17 defendants in the case. "This agreement represents a significant step forward in our case," Mayes said in a statement. "I am grateful to Ms. Ellis for her cooperation with our investigation and prosecution." "Her insights are invaluable and will greatly aid the State in proving its case in court," the attorney general said. "As I stated when the initial charges were announced, I will not allow American democracy to be undermined it is far too important. Today's announcement is a win for the rule of law." The remaining defendants in the case include disgraced lawyer Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor who worked closely with Ellis after the 2020 election in the doomed, botched effort to undo Trump's loss to President Joe Biden. Also charged are former Trump White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, lawyers John Eastman, Boris Epshteyn and Christina Bobb, and Mike Roman, who had led Election Day operations for the Trump campaign in 2020. The remaining defendants are the 11 Trump supporters accused of being fake electors: Kelli Ward, Tyler Bowyer, Nancy Cottle, Jacob Hoffman, Anthony Kern, James Lamon, Robert Montgomery, Samuel Moorhead, Lorraine Pellegrino, Gregory Safsten, and Michael Ward. The Arizona indictment alleges that Ellis and other Trump allies were part of a scheme in which these 11 defendants claimed to be electors from Arizona to the 2020 Electoral College and cast their ballots for Trump, despite Biden having won the state's popular vote. Ellis posted a statement on social media platform X from her lawyers, Matt Brown and Matt Melito, after her cooperation became public. "We are grateful the Arizona Attorney General's Office completely dismissed the indictment against Jenna Ellis as she was not involved in the so-called 'fake elector' scheme," the statement said. "Jenna was originally told she was not a target and her cooperation is her continued willingness to tell the truth." As part of the agreement, Ellis must testify "completely and truthfully" whenever requested by the Attorney General's Office and be available for interviews by attorneys and law enforcement. Ellis in October 2023 pleaded guilty to a separate criminal charge in the Georgia election interference case, which charges Trump and more than a dozen of his allies with crimes related to trying to overturn his loss to Biden in that state. A Georgia appeals court in June put the case against Trump and eight of his co-defendants on hold while it considers Trump's bid to disqualify Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from overseeing his prosecution. After Ellis pleaded guilty in Georgia, officials in Colorado banned Ellis from practicing law in the state for three years. Giuliani in July was disbarred in New York, and his license remains under review in Washington, D.C., as a result of the false claims of widespread ballot fraud that he made with Ellis after the 2020 election. F-16 Fighting Falcons perform in the sky as President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky delivers a speech congratulating the Ukrainian military on the stand in front of the first General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon received by Ukraine on August 4, 2024 in, Ukraine. Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty Images It was a pivotal moment for Ukraine as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy watched two F-16 fighter jets roar overhead, after many months of waiting for the combat aircraft that Kyiv hopes will change the dial in the war against Russia. Flanked by another two of the U.S.-made combat aircraft, Zelenskyy announced on Sunday that the country's air force had already started operations using the warplanes against Russia. "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," he said, speaking to military pilots and reporters at an undisclosed location in Ukraine. "These jets are in our sky and today you see them," Zelenskyy added, thanking Ukraine's allies for the supply during the unveiling ceremony on Ukraine's Air Forces Day. "It's good that they are here and that we can put them to use." A number of Ukraine's European allies have pledged to send F-16s to Ukraine, and the first batch arrived in the country in late July. It remains uncertain how many of the combat planes were sent to Ukraine. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi stands in front of the first General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon received by Ukraine as he congratulates Ukrainian military on the Day of Ukrainian Air Force on August 4, 2024 in Unspecified, Ukraine. Vitalii Nosach | Global Images Ukraine | Getty Images On Sunday, Zelenskyy did not specify the number of jets that had already been delivered, but said that more were expected. He also conceded that more pilots needed to be trained to use them. The arrival of the first combat aircraft in Ukraine nonetheless marks a notable achievement Kyiv repeatedly requested the aircraft from allies over many months of the war. It has awaited U.S. approval for the export of F-16s from allies willing to transfer them to Ukraine, and then the training of Ukrainian pilots to use the aircraft has also taken months. Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium and Norway have agreed to send around 80 aircraft to Ukraine, although the timeline for their delivery varies. Most are not expected until 2025. U.S. secretary of State Antony Blinken said in July that F-16s from Denmark and the Netherlands would be 'in Ukraine's skies this summer.' The United States has said that it will begin flight training for Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets. Anadolu Agency | Getty Images Ukraine has lobbied its NATO allies for F-16s since the early days of the the war against Russia, arguing that the jets will enable it to better defend its air space, ground troops and critical infrastructure from Russian attack, as well as to strike enemy targets more effectively. Russia has dismissed the supply of F-16s, with Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying last Thursday that Russian forces were prepared to shoot down the F-16 jets. "There is no 'magic pill' here. There is no panacea," he told reporters last Thursday, according to russian state news agency Tasss. "The armed forces of the Kyiv regime will not get a universal remedy. They should be aware of that. Should these airplanes appear, their number will gradually decrease. They will be shot down and destroyed. These supplies will be unable to have any significant impact on the developments on the frontline," he stated. Peskov said Russian servicemen had been offered rewards for the destruction of F-16s. Impact uncertain Kyiv is understandably tight-lipped about the weaponry that its F-16s will be equipped with, as well as the targets of the aircraft. On Sunday, Zelenskyy suggested missions will be kept secret, saying it would be "dangerous" to comment on how the F-16s will be used. Defense analysts say it's like they could carry longer-range missiles, giving Ukraine a greater ability to strike Russian forces that are occupying swathes of the south and east of the country. The first General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon received by Ukraine is seen on the Day of Ukrainian Air Force on August 4, 2024 in Unspecified, Ukraine. Vitalii Nosach | Global Images Ukraine | Getty Images "The F-16 models that Ukraine has now begun to receive are a clear step up from the Soviet-era jets inherited from the USSR, boasting superior radar capabilities and longer range. At the same time, Ukraine's F-16s should not be viewed as a game-changing weapon in the war with Russia," Mykola Bielieskov, a research fellow at the National Institute for Strategic Studies think tank, said in analysis last week. "One obvious issue is quantity. Ukraine has so far only received a handful of F-16s, with a total of 24 jets expected to arrive by the end of 2024. To put this number into context, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated in recent weeks that in order to effectively counter Russian air power, his country would require a fleet of 128 F-16 jets," Bielieskov noted. The fledgling F-16 fleet was also likely to have access to a limited selection of weapons, the analyst said, with the aircraft's effectiveness likely constrained by restrictions on the use of Western weapons against targets inside Russia. "It remains unclear whether Kyiv can count on longer range strike capabilities, despite recent reports that the U.S. has agreed to arm Ukrainian F-16s with American-made missiles and other advanced weapons," Bielieskov said. He said the jets' initial use would be to strengthen the country's air defenses. "The jets will considerably enhance Ukraine's ability to prevent Russian pilots entering Ukrainian air space, and can also target Russian cruise missiles in flight. This is particularly important as Russia has recently demonstrated its growing ability to bypass existing surface-to-air defense systems and strike civilian infrastructure targets across Ukraine," he said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stands in front of the first General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcons received by Ukraine and holds his hand over his heart as he congratulates Ukrainian military on the Day of Ukrainian Air Force on August 4, 2024 at an unspecified location in Ukraine. Global Images Ukraine | Global Images Ukraine | Getty Images Here are Monday's biggest calls on Wall Street: Bank of America reiterates Nvidia as buy Bank of America said shares are "compelling" at current levels. "However, we see any selloff as enhanced buying opportunity as challenges are not in demand, but in (solvable) supply that will not fundamentally derail NVDA's longer-term momentum." Mizuho reiterates Grab and Trip.com as top picks Mizuho said the two stocks are silver linings amid a bumpy China macro. "Despite the uncertain environment, we remain positive on the pent-up demand of outbound travel, and TCOM is a top pick. .From that perspective, GRAB is also a top pick into the quarter. Please see below for our company summaries." Morgan Stanley reiterates Disney as overweight Morgan Stanley lowered its price target on the stock to $110 per share from $130 but said it is sticking with Disney shares. "There are enough data points at this point to take a more cautious view of Disney's parks business in FY25. With shares off 23% since F2Q earnings in May, much of this appears priced." KeyBanc upgrades Gulfport Energy to overweight from sector weight KeyBanc said investors should buy the dip in shares of the nat gas company. "Our outlook for natural gas has not changed since then. Nor has our positive fundamental outlook for Gulfport (the Company)." RBC upgrades Lockheed Martin to outperform from sector perform RBC said the stock's valuation is attractive. "We are upgrading our rating on Lockheed Martin (LMT) from Sector Perform to Outperform and raising our price target to $600 (previously $500)." Morgan Stanley upgrades Prosperity Bancshares to overweight from equal weight Morgan Stanley said the regional bank has "best in class capital and growing liquidity." The firm also upgraded the midcap bank sector to attractive. "Rating changes: Upgrading PB to Overweight from Equal-weight given strong NIM [net interest margin] expansion story coupled with best in class capital and growing liquidity." Morgan Stanley initiates MKS Instruments as overweight Morgan Stanley said the controlling and measuring device manufacturing company is well positioned. "As MKSI's semi and E & P businesses enter a cyclical recovery the company should return to its post-acquisition deleverage playbook and see outsized EPS growth." UBS reiterates Berkshire Hathaway as buy UBS said it is sticking with shares of Berkshire Hathaway following earnings on Saturday. "Raising estimates on higher Insurance underwriting and investment income." Citi upgrades Robinhood to neutral from sell Citi sees fundamentals getting better for the online trading company. "We are upgrading HOOD to Neutral/High Risk. HOOD finished down 12% on Friday given the potential impact from lower rates. The fundamental story has been improving in recent periods with healthy growth in deposits, margin balances, options/equities trading." RBC downgrades Moderna to sector perform from outperform RBC said it sees too many headwinds for Moderna shares. "Overall, with a top line that we expect is likely to stay at $3-4b for the foreseeable future and the company hesitating in aggressively reducing their costs the balance sheet no longer looks strong even at $10.8b in cash and a guide that implies $6-7b ending cash balance in 2025." Morgan Stanley reiterates Apple as overweight Morgan Stanley said it is sticking with the stock following its quarterly 10-Q report. " Apple's operating margin reached a near June quarter record at 29.6%, all the more impressive given Greater China operating margins fell to a 4 year low." Morgan Stanley reiterates Walmart as overweight Morgan Stanley said it is sticking with its overweight rating on the stock following Walmart+ membership hitting a record high according to its survey checks. "Latest survey implies ~21.5m Walmart+ members, a record high (~14m adjusting for survey overcounting)." Bank of America upgrades Five9 to buy from underperform Bank of America double upgraded the cloud contact center company and said shares are "compelling." "We upgrade Five9 to Buy (from Underperform) while leaving our $63 PO unchanged (54% upside potential). Our bullish view is underpinned by 1) a compelling risk/reward profile; 2) AI as a tailwind in the near and medium-term." Jefferies reiterates Netflix as buy Jefferies says investors should buy the dip in Netflix shares. "We are increasingly bullish on the recent 10%+ pullback in the stock, as we believe a Q4 US price hike is possible on the back of an impressive content slate." RBC upgrades Kellanova to outperform from sector perform RBC upgraded the food products company following reports of Mars' interest in acquiring the company. "Reuters recently reported that Mars might have interest in acquiring Kellanova (neither company has commented). Usually where there is smoke there is fire, but the track record of the press anticipating M & A has not always been accurate." Bernstein reiterates Boeing as outperform Bernstein lowered its price target on Boeing to $207 per share from $222 but said it is sticking with the stock. "In assessing where Boeing currently stands, there are two competing factors. First is the deepening hole of cash, with more defense charges, rising inventories, slowing advances, and higher debt. On the other side is an outlook for improving deliveries, including the 737 production ramp, 787 production recovery, 777X certification progress, and restart of deliveries to China." Jacob Chansley, also known as the "QAnon Shaman," screams "Freedom" inside the U.S. Senate chamber after the U.S. Capitol was breached by a mob during a joint session of Congress on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. "QAnon Shaman" Jacob Chansley will regain possession of the makeshift spear and horned helmet that he carried as he stormed the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot with other Trump supporters, a federal judge ruled Monday. The Department of Justice failed to show why it still needed his property, which had made him an iconic face of the Capitol riot, Judge Royce Lamberth wrote in an order in Washington, D.C., federal court. "Since the government has not established that it still needs these items as evidence and has not sought their forfeiture, the Court will GRANT Mr. Chansley's motion," Lamberth wrote. The DOJ last month said it wanted to hold on to Chansley's property, because despite having expressed remorse at his criminal sentencing, he has since challenged his conviction and sentence. "In other words, the government would like to ensure finality in the appellate process in this and other cases," U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Matthew Graves wrote in the July 12 court filing. Lamberth was unconvinced by that argument. "Even if the government may need to reprove Mr. Chansley's guilt, the government has not explained why it would need his property," the judge wrote in Monday's order. "As there is voluminous video and photo evidence of Mr. Chansley's conduct, his property is of little utility for an investigation or prosecution and 'the United States' legitimate interests can be satisfied even if the property is returned,'" he wrote. Chansley was among the first of thousands of rioters who stormed and occupied the Capitol building on Jan. 6, the day that Congress convened for a joint session to confirm the Electoral College victory of President Joe Biden over then-President Donald Trump. The mob of Trump supporters forced lawmakers to flee the chambers of the Senate and the House, delaying the confirmation process for hours. Chansley led chants on the floor of the Senate and sat in the chair that was used by then-Vice President Mike Pence to preside over proceedings there. Chansley's striking appearance quickly made him a symbol of the insurrection. His outfit, coupled with his support for the pro-Trump QAnon conspiracy theory, earned him his spiritual sobriquet. "He was like thousands of others that day," Lamberth wrote in Monday's order. "But he stood out to the entire world because of his 'unmistakable outfit.'" The DOJ in its criminal complaint against Chansley described him as having been "dressed in horns, a bearskin headdress, red, white and blue face paint, shirtless, and tan pants," and carrying "a spear, approximately 6 feet in length, with an American flag tied just below the blade." As leading tech investors continue to vocally take sides ahead of the 2024 presidential election, legendary venture capitalist Michael Moritz is making his preference clear. In a Financial Times opinion piece published Monday, Moritz wrote that those in the industry who are supporting Donald Trump "are making a big mistake." Moritz who joined Sequoia Capital in 1986 and went on to make hugely lucrative bets on companies including Google , PayPal and LinkedIn criticized Trump's Silicon Valley backers as self-interested and asked why so many smart and successful people are "prepared to turn a blind eye to Trump." "I doubt whether any of them would want him as part of an investment syndicate that they organised," wrote Moritz, who stepped down from Sequoia last year, over a decade after giving up a management role at the firm. "Why then do they dismiss his recent criminal conviction as nothing more than a politically inspired witch-hunt over a simple book-keeping error?" Moritz was referring to Trump's conviction, earlier this year, on 34 felony counts in New York State court. Trump has said he will appeal, and many of his allies have dismissed his trial as a "sham." Andreessen Horowitz co-founders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz recently threw their support behind Trump. Tesla CEO Elon Musk publicly endorsed him moments after the assassination attempt in July. Other Trump backers include venture capitalists David Sacks and Joe Lonsdale as well as Doug Leone, Moritz's longtime partner at Sequoia. Moritz, who is currently a senior advisor at Sequoia's wealth management arm, said he doesn't think Trump will prevail in Silicon Valley come November, noting his historically weak performance there. He's hardly alone in vocalizing his opposition. LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman has been a major Democratic backer, throwing his weight behind Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden before that. And last week, more than 100 VCs pledged their support to Harris, the de facto Democratic nominee, as she ramps up her campaign to take on Trump. As of Monday, more than 700 people have signed the "VCs for Kamala" pledge. Moritz has a multibillion-dollar fortune that allows him to give generously to charity. He was knighted in 2013 in part for his philanthropic work. Moritz has made major gifts to Democratic causes, including a $4.8 million donation earlier this year to American Bridge 21st Century, which is planning a $140 million anti-Trump ad blitz. He has also given to the anti-Trump Lincoln Project. His Republican giving included earlier support for Arnold Schwarzenegger, when he was governor of California, Mitt Romney in 2007, and John Kasich's 2010 and 2014 gubernatorial runs in Ohio, according to OpenSecrets. Moritz wrote in his op-ed that Trump's tech financiers and supporters were "making the same mistake as all powerful people who back authoritarians." He wrote that wealthy financiers believe "they will be able to control Trump," or else are committing "another cardinal error: deluding themselves that he will not do what he says or promises." "That has not been the modus operandi of authoritarians over the centuries," he wrote. WATCH: Tech for Trump Masayoshi Son, CEO of SoftBank, speaks during the company's annual general meeting in Tokyo on June 20, 2024. On Monday, Son's net worth fell by $4.6 billion alone, according to the Forbes real-time billionaires list. Shares of the Japanese giant, known as one of the world's largest tech investors through its massive Vision Fund, have slid since last Thursday as Japanese equities began to fall after the Bank of Japan raised its benchmark interest rate . SoftBank Group shares tanked nearly 19% on Monday amid a global sell-off, wiping off billions of dollars from founder Masayoshi Son's fortune. The Nikkei 225 meanwhile posted a 12.4% loss that marked the worst day for the index since the "Black Monday" of 1987. Before the declines of the past few days, SoftBank's stock had rallied this year and even hit a new record high, as the company's Vision Fund division continued its recovery. A big jump in the share price of Arm , the British chip designer that is roughly 90% owned by SoftBank, has also contributed to the Japanese company's stock appreciation this year. But Monday's price plunge leaves SoftBank's shares just 1.7% higher for the year. About $28.3 billion has been wiped off SoftBank's value since the close of trade on Wednesday, according to CNBC calculations. SoftBank will report its fiscal first-quarter earnings on Wednesday, with investors hoping to see further recovery in the Vision Fund. Son, who has been out of the public spotlight for a while, made a reappearance in June to discuss his vision for the future of artificial intelligence, which he predicts will eventually be 10,000 times smarter than humans. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te claps while he visits a military camp in Taoyuan, Taiwan May 23, 2024. Ann Wang | Reuters Taiwan is under growing pressure to build up its defense capabilities and deterrence against China in the face of uncertainty surrounding the U.S. elections slated for November, according to security and policy analysts. Taiwan's foreign minister, Lin Chia-lung, last month told reporters that the self-governed island must rely on itself for defense and will likely keep spending and modernizing its military in the face of threats from China, which sees the island as its own. The minister's comments came in response to presidential candidate Donald Trump suggesting that Taipei should pay Washington for military protection. Trump said that the country "doesn't give us anything" and has taken "100% of our chip business." Experts said Trump's remarks highlighted the unpredictability that faces Taiwan, especially after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris, who has relatively less foreign policy experience. 'Unpredictable' Trump While Biden has been "more consistent in his policy toward Taiwan," Trump, since the start of his first term, has proven to be "erratic and unpredictable," said Stephen Nagy, professor of politics and international studies at the International Christian University in Tokyo, Japan. This is largely due to a difference in strategy between the two leaders. While Biden has, on several occasions, stated the U.S. would come to Taiwan's defense, Trump has opted for "strategic ambiguity," Nagy added. Just days after his inauguration, Trump had become the first U.S. president in decades to communicate directly with Taiwan's president. Soon after, he suggested that the U.S. may change its long-held position that Taiwan was part of "one China." However, he reportedly walked back on that position on a call with Chinese President Xi Jinping in February 2016. watch now Regardless, Trump's tough stance on China has led many in Taiwan to believe he would support the island substantially, according to Lu-Chung Weng, a Political Science professor at Sam Houston State University. Similar to 2016, the candidate is running on a tough-on-China policy and has already proposed a major ramp-up of his trade war against the country. According to Muhammad Faizal, a research fellow at Singapore-based S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, a tougher China containment stance by Trump 2.0 would be welcomed by the ruling party of Taiwan and other Indo-Pacific partners. However, he added that they also fear that Trump's "myopic and transactional approach" to foreign and defense relations exemplified by his comments about Taiwan paying the U.S. for defense could place them back on his geopolitical dartboard. Meanwhile, while experts who spoke to CNBC agreed that a second Trump administration was likely to be packed with China hawks who see defending Taiwan as a top priority, the extent to which they may be able to steer policy remains unclear. "I think anyone who says they're sure where [the administration] would head is out of their mind ... I think the degree of unpredictability would be greater than ever," said Richard Heydarian, policy adviser and senior lecturer of international affairs at the University of the Philippines. On the other side of the ballot is presumptive democratic nominee Harris, after Biden succumbed to pressure to drop out of the race amid concerns about his age. According to analysts, she is expected to remain somewhat consistent with Biden's agenda and foreign policy. watch now "I see [Harris] as a continuity play in terms of foreign policy trends more broadly over the last several decades," Tina Fordham, founder of Fordham Global Foresight, told CNBC's "Worldwide Exchange" last month. Dewardric McNeal, managing director and senior policy analyst at Longview Global, said there was a lack of clarity on exactly what Harris thinks as distinct from Biden, with her first 100 days to be closely watched by Beijing if she were to win. As vice president, Harris has expressed support for Taiwan and met with the island's new leader, Lai Ching-te, in 2022. However, she would come into office with significantly less foreign policy experience than President Biden. "While I anticipate some continuity [with Biden] in her China policy, it is essential to recognize the strong influence that personalities have on policy shaping, making, and execution," McNeal said. "Vice President Harris is not Joe Biden, and her approach to statecraft will differ," he added. Taiwan's defense measures As both candidates pose a level of uncertainty for Taiwan, policy experts said the island-nation was under more pressure to accelerate efforts to build up its own deterrence. These efforts have already been building momentum since the election of Lai in January, with U.S. elections only injecting more urgency, according to Ava Shen, who covers Taiwan and Chinese foreign policy and domestic politics at Eurasia Group. Lai, a member of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party, is seen by Beijing as a separatist and has continued his predecessor's efforts of relationship building with Washington amid intensifying military and political pressure by China. His inaugural speech emphasized the importance of aligning with democracies and strengthening national defense. Around the same time, an extended one-year mandatory military service for men came into effect, an initiative announced under former DPP president Tsai Ing-wen. watch now Elon Musk arrives for a bipartisan Artificial Intelligence (AI) Insight Forum for all U.S. senators hosted by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., September 13, 2023. The North Carolina Attorney General's Office said Monday that it is eyeing a political action committee created by billionaire Elon Musk following a complaint to the state election board over the PAC's collection of personal data while failing to help users register to vote as promised. The North Carolina Board of Elections later Monday told CNBC that it has opened an investigation of Musk's America PAC. "North Carolina law makes it a crime for someone to fail to submit a voter's registration form if that person has told a voter that they would be submitting the voter's registration form," the board's spokesman, Patrick Gannon, told CNBC. The new inquiries and a similar one announced Sunday by Michigan's secretary of state's office follow a report by CNBC that Musk's America PAC was asking website users in battleground states for personal data such as ZIP code, full address and a phone number under the pretext of helping them register to vote without doing so. In contrast, users of America PAC's site in states that are not considered competitive in the 2024 election were directed to voter registration pages for their state. The America PAC is supporting Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in the 2024 election against Vice President Kamala Harris, the de facto Democratic nominee. Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, and owner of X, has said he created the PAC and helped fund it. "Our office is aware of this issue and is looking into it," said a spokeswoman for North Carolina AG Josh Stein on Monday about the PAC's website When asked for further details, she added, "We have not opened a formal investigation." Stein is the Democratic nominee for governor in North Carolina. A spokeswoman for Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson on Sunday said the Democrat's office is investigating America PAC to determine if the group has violated state law. "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," Benson's spokeswoman said that day. Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia and Wisconsin were among the battleground states where users on America PAC's website were not helped with registering to vote despite claims they would get such assistance. Musk and a spokesman for the America PAC did not return requests for comment Monday. As of Monday, a user with a North Carolina location who opened the America PAC website would not be able to click through to register to vote after submitting personal data despite pages indicating they could register on the site. On Friday, shortly after CNBC's first story on America PAC's voter registration links was published, longtime political activist David Wheeler, sent a complaint about the PAC to the North Carolina Board of Elections. Wheeler alleged America PAC has broken state laws, according to a copy of the complaint reviewed by CNBC. "The America PAC is pretending to be running an online voter registration drive," Wheeler wrote. "However, they are simply collecting data on voters and are fraudulently collecting and retaining confidential voter information against numerous NC law[s]." Wheeler runs his own PAC, American Muckrakers, which has spent money opposing election bids of Republican candidates, including former Rep. Madison Cawthorn of North Carolina, and Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado. Gannon, the public information director for the North Carolina Board of Elections, told CNBC that they have launched an investigation into the America PAC after election officials received a complaint. The board did not identify the complainant, but the description of the allegations mirrors what Wheeler had written. "The complaint alleges that the organization is hosting a website that leads people to believe they are registering to vote, but no registration form is ever submitted to election officials. This complaint is being investigated," Gannon said in an email after this article was first published. On Monday, a spokesman for Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt, who is a Republican, told CNBC that America PAC had not applied to use the state's online voter registration interface. The secretary of state's office allowed both partisan and nonpartisan entities "who undergo rigorous security testing and agree to be bound by the Department's Terms of Use to connect with an Application Programming Interface (API) to securely submit voter registration applications," the spokesman said in an email. "America PAC has not applied to participate in this program, and the Department is not aware of the entity taking any steps to submit electronic voter registration applications for processing," the spokesman wrote. He did not reply when asked if America PAC's lack of an application for the program would lead to an investigation by the secretary of state or any other legal consequence. America PAC has spent over $100,000 on digital advertisements targeting voters in Pennsylvania since early July, according to AdImpact. OpenAI has for more than a year had a tool to watermark text generated by the companys AI assistant ChatGPT, according to information provided to The Wall Street Journal via The Verge. (OpenAI itself has confirmed that its been working on such a tool in a blog post.) According to Journal, the watermarking should not affect the quality of the content ChatGPT creates but OpenAI has chosen not to start using the tool because internally there are divided opinions about it. The generative AI (genAI) company reportedly commissioned a survey that showed four times as many people are disposed to using tools that can identify AI content as opposed to them. At the same time, another survey found that 30% of ChatGPT users would use the service less if it contained watermarked content. Its not hard to imagine Tom Segura bragging about killing the crowd at his latest comedy concert. But what if he is being literal? Im not personally accusing the comedian of murder, although Cracked may have insinuated in the past that hes a sociopath. One TikToker is going further, connecting the dots and suggesting that Segura could be the Lady Bird Lakes Killer. At first blush, its easy to dismiss the online sleuth as a shit poster. But lets follow the yarn connecting the thumbtacks on his online wall to see where it all leads. (Imagine spooky conspiracy theory music as you read the clues it helps, trust me.) 1 Segura Records His Ball Hog special in Austin, Texas In the fall of 2019, the comedian recorded his latest Netflix special. The taping went poorly, according to the video. The crowd wasnt laughing, says the narrator, and the lack of energy, you could tell, was getting to Tom. 2 A Disappointed Segura Fan Goes Missing One person in attendance was 21-year-old Christian Pugh. What he didnt know was that he would be doing a lot more than watching a bad comedy show, the narrator maintains. After the taping, Pugh headed to a nearby bar to drink away his disappointment. It was the last place hed be seen before he was reported missing. Three days later, Pugh was discovered in the bushes off a bike trail by Lady Bird Lake, roughed up and in critical condition. 3 A Series of Disappearances in the Area Coincides with Segura Moving to Austin Advertisement Advertisement Pugh is one of 12 men who have gone missing near Austins Lady Bird Lake since 2022. Segura moved to the area in late 2021. Coincidence? Washington, DC, US (PANA) - US Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya, is travelling to Kenya and Ethiopia from 4-8 August to engage on human rights, democratic governance, and humanitarian cooperation, the US State Department has announced in a media note Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism. Nothing quite like this has ever happened in this country before. There have been previous race riots, to be sure. In 1958, white youths attacked West Indian homes in Notting Hill in London. In 2001, there were racial disturbances in several northern towns and cities. The most serious was in Bradford after white thugs attacked Asian businesses. Some 300 police were injured, and as many people arrested. That violence in Bradford was more explosive than anything we have seen in the past week in one place. What is probably unprecedented is the range of the present racial unrest from Sunderland in the North-East to Hull on the East coast to Bristol in the West, and across the Irish Sea to Belfast. This is alarming. It's also a challenge for a Government that assumed power a month ago today. Has Sir Keir Starmer risen to the occasion? I'm afraid not. A man is detained by police officers as far-Right activists hold a demonstration in Middlesbrough Violence escalates as protesters throw garbage bins on a fire outside a hotel in Rotherham While the United Kingdom, or at least England, burned, the Prime Minister was at his country estate, Chequers, holding talks with ministers but not emerging to show leadership until yesterday afternoon. He's said to be planning a holiday. Sir Keir's approach and that of the hectoring Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has been to pledge an immediate crackdown on the rioters. The PM sounds like a bang-em-up-and-throw-the-key-away old-school Tory. It is a reasonable reaction as far as it goes. When people burn down shops (and in Liverpool a newly built library), throw rocks at police, knock one officer off his motorcycle, surround mosques, kick to the ground an apparently innocent black man in Manchester well, the proper response of the authorities is a robust one. Let there be round-the-clock courts, as there were during the largely non-racial disorder that swept London and other cities in 2011. Let the most egregious miscreants be packed off to prison, assuming cells can be found for them. Yet there's something one-dimensional about the Government's approach, which is to threaten retribution and blame everything on the far-Right. This is not very intelligent because it takes no account of underlying causes or the feelings of ordinary people. When the 2011 riots began in Tottenham, North London, sparked off after the police shot dead a black Briton called Mark Duggan, the local MP was sensible. Having appealed for calm, he said that 'true justice can only follow a thorough investigation of the facts'. That MP was David Lammy, now Foreign Secretary. His point was that people don't take to the streets for no reason. When the disturbance is over and the perpetrators have been carted off, intelligent politicians concern themselves with the causes. In the midst of unrest it may be asking a lot to expect this Government to pose deeper questions. This is not the moment for a detailed post mortem. Yet it would be cheering if there were some clue that Sir Keir and Ms Cooper had the slightest inkling that this is more than a simple law and order issue. While the United Kingdom burned, the Prime Minister was at his country estate, Chequers, holding talks with ministers but not emerging to show leadership, writes Stephen Glover Asylum seekers watch scenes unfold as the protests continue outside their hotel By all means blame social media, on which it was falsely claimed (with the help of a foreign news website with Russian links) that the man who murdered three children and injured others in Southport last Monday was a recent illegal immigrant called Ali Al-Shakati. (The misinformation isn't all on one side. Nick Lowles a leading light in Starmer's circle and head of the anti-racist campaigning body Hope Not Hate referred in a tweet last week to a report that acid had been thrown at a Muslim woman in Middlesbrough. Police found no trace of this incident.) By all means, point the finger at the bovver boys of the far-Right, and leaders such as Tommy Robinson, who has been stirring up racial hatred as he enjoys a holiday in Cyprus. But any analysis of the unrest that concentrates on social media and the pernicious influence of the far-Right is bound to be defective unless it also addresses deeper questions. The PM's statement yesterday from Downing Street added nothing to what he had already said, which is that in his opinion 'far-Right thuggery' is to blame. Some disturbances such as the one in Whitehall last Wednesday have been dominated by thugs who are professional troublemakers. But the participants at others have included white working-class people who are fed up with the effects of uncontrolled immigration in their communities. The local police chief in Hartlepool, where there was disorder, said that of the first 11 people arrested most were local. Even the BBC's Mark Easton whose lack of interest in causes seems to mirror that of the Government conceded that hundreds of ordinary people, including children, were present while there was rioting in Sunderland. Easton found this 'very troubling', as of course it is. We can easily dismiss hefty, shaven-headed blokes who battle with the police as representatives of the far-Right. It's not so easy if some of the protesters are normal people not in the habit of taking to the streets. Unless the Prime Minister can show that he understands the concerns of abandoned communities, perilous times lie ahead, writes Stephen Glover Easton, by the way, delivered a lecture on BBC1's News At Ten last Friday, reproving those who believed that violent crime had gone up. He assured us that it has gone down. This is not the experience of many people. It's also a strange thing to say after three young girls have been stabbed to death, and at a time of so much knife crime. I fear that Sir Keir Starmer and Yvette Cooper are similarly removed from the feelings of frustration that many people have about uncontrolled immigration. And yet one of their close colleagues is not, or was not. In September 2016 Rachel Reeves now Chancellor, then a backbencher who had refused to serve in Jeremy Corbyn's shadow cabinet presciently said that Britain could 'explode' into rioting if immigration wasn't curbed after the Brexit vote. There were 'bubbling tensions'. Ms Reeves was, and is, an MP for a Leeds constituency, and may not see the world through the metropolitan lens employed by our London- centric Prime Minister. Alas, immigration wasn't controlled after Brexit. The Tories allowed it to soar to record levels before belatedly seeing the error of their ways. This was the major reason why Reform UK won over four million votes in the election about 60 per cent of the amount achieved by the Conservative Party. Nothing that Labour has said suggests it will fare any better in restricting immigration. In fact, I fear it will do worse. Having scrapped the Tories' admittedly flawed Rwanda plan, it has no plausible policy to reduce illegal immigrants coming across the Channel. Numbers are already climbing. As for legal immigration which has been running at more than ten times the rate of the illegal variety Labour has refused to set any kind of target. Without measures designed to bring down numbers, they are bound to remain high. Sir Keir can agree with Yvette Cooper that the punishment of rioters must be swift and harsh. He can inveigh against the 'far-Right' as much as he likes. But unless he understands the causes behind the riots, and determines to do something about them, there will be more racial strife. Britain actually has remarkably good race relations. But they are being jeopardised by a cavalier attitude towards mass immigration exemplified by the Tories and now carried on, seemingly with even more abandon, by Labour. Rachel Reeves's warning is being ignored. After the Southport atrocity, Sir Keir reassured Muslims: 'I will take every step possible to keep you safe.' That was fine. Many Muslims, whose rights must be upheld as much as everyone else's, are understandably frightened. But many white people (and not just white) also wait for reassurance from the Prime Minister that he will look after them too and protect their communities from the consequences of mass immigration. They believe with good reason that the police can be harder on them than on protesting Muslims witness the video, shown even by the BBC, in which a police officer addressed a Muslim crowd outside a mosque in Stoke-on-Trent: 'If there are any weapons, get rid of them. We're not going to make any arrests.' Does Sir Keir Starmer regard the white working class as to borrow Hillary Clinton's awful phrase 'deplorables' whose motives should be demonised? Is he a narrow Lefty lawyer? Or is he a broadminded statesman who cares about the whole country? On the basis of the past week I can't say I am optimistic. Unless the Prime Minister can show that he understands the concerns of abandoned communities, perilous times lie ahead. Just when you thought the knuckleheaded mobs spreading chaos across the country couldn't sink any lower, they set fire to a library in a deprived area of Liverpool. The attacks we have witnessed in recent days on police, the looting, vandalism, and other scenes of anarchy have all been shocking and reprehensible. But the wanton destruction of a sanctuary where adults and children could escape into a world of literature and knowledge is singularly depressing especially as it also operated as a food bank. The arsonists must have known the most vulnerable would be worst affected, yet they torched the building anyway. It is beyond comprehension and beneath contempt. Rioters are not the only ones shamed by the events of recent days. Social media agitators have fanned the flames of discord with lies and misinformation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivers a speech during a press conference following clashes after the Southport stabbing Spellow Hub Library in Liverpool - which doubles as a foodbank - was set on fire on Saturday by anti-migrant rioters Police officers pictured with rioters in Nottingham Market Square on Saturday A police car was set on fire in Hartlepool by anti-migrant rioters on Wednesday They include the English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson, of course, currently spouting his hatred from a five-star hotel in Cyprus. But Nigel Farage and anti-woke actor Laurence Fox have also been guilty of giving credence to conspiracy theories around the Southport murders which began the cycle of violence. As figures of considerable influence, they have a duty not to inflame an already incendiary situation one they have miserably failed to honour. But most disturbingly, a week on from the Southport horror, unrest has been growing rather than receding. A frenzied attack on a migrant hotel in Rotherham yesterday was especially vicious, with police heavily outnumbered. Sir Keir Starmer has had little to offer but tired platitudes. So, it's no surprise that a poll yesterday showed his approval rating has sunk by 16 points in the past fortnight. Scrapping the planned care cap, abolishing winter fuel payments to OAPs and announcing taxes will go up to deal with a make-believe 'secret black hole' in the nation's finances have contributed to this. But his unimpressive handling of his first major test as PM has also already led some to wonder whether he's up to the job. Sir Keir characterises this outbreak of lawlessness as being organised and led by 'mobile' far-Right groups travelling between flashpoint towns fomenting division and violence. But that is not borne out by evidence suggesting most of those charged with public order offences have been local. Protestors throw fireworks as the riots continued into the night in Liverpool on Saturday Police officers detain a woman during a protest in Nottingham Market Square on Saturday Police separate the two opposing protests outside the Sheikh Abdullah Quilliam Mosque on Friday Protesters hold a sign that reads: 'We will not be silenced' outside Downing Street on Wednesday A man points his finger at a line of police officers during the riots in London on Wednesday Anti-migrant protesters set fires as more riots kicked off today in Rotherham on Sunday A anti-migrant protester throws bricks at a building during riots in Rotherham on Sunday Protesters stand outside of the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers ,which is being used as an asylum hotel, on Sunday This is not to say far-Right elements are not pouring fuel on the flames, but they are exploiting a more legitimate grievance. In these mainly poorer working-class towns Hartlepool, Blackpool, Rotherham many believe they have been disenfranchised by the political elite, particularly over mass immigration. They feel their communities are changing without consultation, see public services at breaking point and fear the housing crisis will never be solved if the influx continues. Through Brexit, for which most of them voted, border control was meant to be regained. Instead, net migration has reached record levels. None of this can excuse the sort of violence we have seen this week, but it is on such alarm, fear and disaffection that extremism thrives. As a north London lawyer brought up in affluent Surrey and surrounded by Metropolitan liberals, Sir Keir little understands the struggles of those living in these flashpoint towns and cities. But he is Prime Minister now and must learn quickly. Coming down hard on the symptoms of these disturbances without addressing what lies beneath them would be a very dangerous mistake. The thugs and bigots rampaging through our streets in the dreadful days since the Southport stabbings deserve severe punishment for their violent crimes. But the giant businesses that enable the lies and exaggerations that fuel the riots should be in the dock too as should the people who own them. As the veteran Conservative MP John Whittingdale suggests, Ofcom, the media regulator, should haul in the tech companies that control so much of our lives and force them to remove material that constitutes incitement to riot. A police van is set alight as trouble flares during a protest in Southport Then, we need to face down their lobbyists and remove their protections and privileges so that they are legally liable for the extraordinary harm they do. No aspect of the swamp they have created is more damaging than the online anonymity they facilitate which allows anyone in the world the chance to say anything they want, however incendiary, and to escape responsibility. Built into the internet from its origins decades ago, anonymity is hugely profitable for tech billionaires, but the horrendous price for this free-for-all is paid by the rest of us: law-abiding, peaceful people who respect the truth. Internet anonymity is the default setting when you set up an email address or a social media account. You can pretend to be anyone, anywhere. The chaos unleashed after Southport highlights the danger. An anonymous account on X called EuropeInvasion first spread the incendiary lie that the suspect in the stabbing case was a Muslim immigrant. That post completely invented was viewed a staggering six million times. Police officers face thugs attending the 'Enough is Enough' protest in Whitehall, London We have no idea who is behind EuropeInvasion, with its relentless, misleading focus on immigrant crimes and doom-laden commentary about ethnic strife. It gives no contact details or other explicit clues about its funding, staff, location or aims. But having spent decades dealing with Russian disinformation, I can say that it smells and looks to me like a Kremlin propaganda outlet aiming not to promote Vladimir Putins regime, but to sow dissension and mistrust in western societies a Russian tactic for many years. Its efforts remind me of another fishy media operation, Channel 3 Now, a website that masquerades as a legitimate American news outlet but promotes a mix of real and fake stories. Channel 3 Now was the first to label the alleged Southport perpetrator with an invented Arabic-sounding name. Like EuropeInvasion, this supposed news website has no street address, no named staff, no contact details or legal presence. But anonymity is not the only issue. Take the role of the man in charge of X, Elon Musk. A self-described free speech absolutist Musk got rid of the departments responsible for dealing with disinformation when he first acquired Twitter. And he has made it far harder to report abuse. The result has been to intensify the toxic mischief coursing through the veins of our democracy. When Elon Musk bought the ailing Twitter platform two years ago, accounts with verifiable owners still benefited from a blue tick an award which prevented pranksters and fraudsters impersonating public figures, mainstream media outlets and businesses. Not any more. One of Musks first moves was to offer blue ticks to anyone willing to pay for them. Thats why, at a cursory glance, EuropeInvasion looks like a regular media outlet with the blue tick stamp of authenticity for which someone, somewhere, has presumably paid. Musk also lifted the ban Twitter had imposed on such divisive figures as the far-Right firebrand who goes by the name Tommy Robinson and has been blamed for helping fuel the violent unrest now scarring our towns and cities through his posts on social media. Musk himself contributes directly to the toxic atmosphere he has helped create. Adding insult to injury he posted yesterday that civil war is inevitable in Britain. Sensible souls will conclude Musk is not just the richest man in the world but the silliest. He knows precious little about this country and is not ashamed to show it. A car is toppled over and set alight during scenes of disorder in Sunderland But among his nearly 200million followers there will be all too many who believe him, with untold consequences for this countrys image abroad, and stability at home. When did we vote to entrust our social cohesion to an eccentric foreign billionaire, we might ask? The internet is the central nervous system of our civilisation, used in everything from finance to health care and transport. It is horribly vulnerable to carelessness (as we saw in last months massive disruption from a faulty software update). Yet it is being atacked by malevolent state actors such as Russia and China. The reason for our plight is simple: greed. Checking identities costs money. So too does nailing lies, running a proper complaints system and installing proper security. For the tech giants, it is far simpler to let chaos rip, and watch the profits roll in. Yet the answer lies in our own hands - and those of our elected politicians. We can act if we choose to do so and we must. Enough is enough. Edward Lucas is the author of Cyberphobia: Identity, Trust, Security and the Internet A controversial reality show about a group of Mormon momfluencers in Utah has sparked fierce backlash from some members of the LDS church over its depiction of the religion. Although The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives doesn't premiere until September, it's already caused a firestorm online and ignited discussions about what it means to be a modern day Mormon. The series follows a group of glamorous influencer moms who have their faith and friendships rocked by a couple-swapping scandal. The cast's social media accounts have been flooded with negative comments since Hulu announced the show on July 29. Some naysayers have taken issue with the fact that the cast includes influencer Taylor Paul, who went viral in 2022 after she revealed that she and her Mormon friends had engaged in 'soft swinging' parties - which eventually led to her divorce. A controversial reality show about a group of Mormon momfluencers in Utah has sparked fierce backlash from some members of the LDS church over its depiction of the religion 'These girls are obsessed with monetizing being 'Mormon' yet NONE of them actually represent an LDS wife,' one person commented. 'What's sad is none of these girls actually live the values of the LDS church, so this will only give the church more negative attention,' wrote another. 'Where do they find these people? What a terrible representation of our faith,' added one. Multiple threads about the series have also popped up on Reddit, including on the ExMormon subreddit, which has been filled with hundreds of comments about the series. 'Real Housewives of Salt Lake City was the same thing,' one user wrote. 'None of the cast on that show talked like any Mormon I've ever met. These people are definitely not representative of the typical Mormon experience.' However, some members of the LDS church came to the cast's defense on social media. 'I was thinking that it might be more like a documentary of a deconstruction of their faith, what it was like growing up in the church, and why they lead the lives that they do now - which I would find super interesting,' Utah mom Elizabeth Parry said on TikTok. Although The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives doesn't premiere until September, it's already caused a firestorm on social media 'These girls are obsessed with monetizing being 'Mormon' yet NONE of them actually represent an LDS wife,' one person commented 'From one imperfect Mormon to another... love you Taylor,' one fan commented on Taylor's page. The series is produced by the team behind Netflix's My Unorthodox Life, which followed designer Julia Haart after leaving her strict orthodox Jewish community behind to become a hotshot in the fashion world. 'The scandalous world of a group of Mormon mom influencers implodes when they get caught in the midst of a swinging sex scandal that makes international headlines,' teases a press release. 'Now, their sisterhood is shook to its core. Faith, friendship and reputations are all on the line. 'Will #MomTok be able to survive and continue to give the rulebook a run for its money, or will this group fall from grace?' Some fans have also defended the show and expressed their excitement over the premiere The series follows a group of glamorous influencer moms who have their faith and friendships rocked by a couple-swapping scandal The cast already contains a number of controversial figures, including influencer Whitney Leavitt, who was slammed in 2021 for doing a TikTok dance next to her ailing baby in the NICU The cast already contains a number of controversial figures, including influencer Whitney Leavitt. The momfluencer sparked extreme backlash in late 2021 after she performed a TikTok dance to a Kendrick Lamar song in the NICU next to her ailing newborn, who was hooked up to breathing tubes and suffering from a respiratory issue. The Mormon mom-of-two is still raising eyebrows online, most recently getting slammed by her own followers for promoting a sex toy on Instagram. 'Well... I'm LDS and I believe sex is for only making babies not for fun,' commented one. 'Is she the dancer that was dancing with her baby on critical care?' quizzed another. The Mormon monfluencers first came to national attention in 2022, when TikTok star Taylor Paul, now 30, publicly revealed that she was part of a group of Utah couples who indulged in 'soft swinging' a practice where partners are swapped but only with the understanding that they don't have full penetrative sex. The Mormon mom-of-two is still raising eyebrows online, most recently getting hammered by her own followers for promoting a sex toy on Instagram The group first came to national attention in 2022 when Mormon TikTok star Taylor Paul (pictured) exposed her swinging friend group on social media But Taylor caused a sensation when she admitted that she had broken the cardinal rule and ended up losing her husband and father of her two children Tate Paul, who divorced her over the incident. She also lost a lot of her friends, who turned on her and denied their involvement in the couple-swapping situation. While The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has a large cast, it's unclear which of the ladies - if any - were involved in the swinging shenanigans. One thing the cast does have in common is their enviable social media followings, with many of the women already boasting hundreds of thousands of fans across Instagram and TikTok. The current cast, who are all aged in their 20s and early 30s, include Demi Engemann, Jennifer Affleck, Jessi Ngatikaura, Layla Wessel, Mayci Neeley, Mikayla Mathews, and Whitney Leavitt. Taylor lost her husband and the father of her two children Tate Paul (pictured) after she broke one of the rules in their 'soft swinging' arrangement The 30-year-old was also arrested last year after a drunken domestic dispute with her new boyfriend resulted in her five-year-old daughter Indy accidentally being hit with a chair Taylor is pictured filming a scene with one of her castmates for the new series The women are already embracing their impending reality TV fame by teaming up for group TikTok dancing videos and gushing about the gig on their social media pages. Taylor has certainly been in her fair share of drama since exposing the secret swinging in her Mormon sisterhood. After divorcing husband Tate, the mother-of-three found love with real estate agent Dakota Mortensen - a former reality star and fellow TikTok star who went viral for sharing his struggles with drugs and alcohol on social media. However, things took a turn for the worse in February, 2023, when Taylor was arrested in a domestic violence dispute after throwing a chair at Dakota that ended up striking her five-year-old daughter Indy. She also threw her phone at him, and made him 'fear for his life,' according to court records. The records say Dakota told Taylor to stop throwing things at him because he was standing next to her five-year-old daughter, but that she carried on. Eventually, one of the chairs hit the child in the head and left her with a 'goose-egg' injury, the records claim. The sizzling hot cast includes glamorous boy mom Layla Taylor, who has 26,000 TikTok followers Self-proclaimed 'cool mom' Jen Affleck already has over 1.1 million TikTok followers Bodycam footage obtained by DailyMail.com later revealed that the fight was sparked when Dakota refused to take a heavily intoxicated Taylor to a concert - causing her to fly into a rage. The Mormon mom 'went ballistic' and eventually threw the chair that would accidentally hit her daughter. When police arrived at the scene in a Salt Lake City suburb, the influencer told them she was so scared she had 'peed' herself. She was charged with two counts of third degree felony domestic violence in the presence of a child with injury, a Class A misdemeanor of child abuse with injury, and Class B misdemeanor criminal mischief. However, she was able to reach a plea deal after pleading guilty to aggravated assault, and the rest of the charges were dropped. Blonde bombshell Mayci has 1.3million TikTok followers and has launched her own brand of gummies Hairstylist Jessi Ngatikaura (left) has over 100,000 followers on both TikTok and Instagram, while Mikayla Matthews (right) boasts 2.4million on TikTok alone The stylish Demi Engemann already has over 300,000 followers on TikTok Dakota spoke with DailyMail.com after the incident, insisting that Taylor is a 'good mom.' 'She's so broken right now. I tried to help her,' he said. 'She's a good mom, she's going through a lot in her life right now. Taylor's been struggling, it's been a hard year for her. She is racked with guilt on her cheating scandal that cost her her marriage.' The couple have since repaired their issues and in April, they welcomed their first child together - a son named Ever True. Taylor already has daughter Indy, six, and Ocean, three, with her ex-husband Tate. All eight episodes of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives premieres on Hulu on September 6. With temperatures reaching the high twenties in the UK, what better way to enjoy the summer than to head to a beach? Whether you have plans at home or away this year, one expert has warned of a number of seaside dangers that could harm your dog and even prove deadly. According to Gloucestershire-based vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan and British pet-sitting platform TrustedHousesitters, discarded barbecue embers and consumption of saltwater are just some of the dangers that could prove fatal for your furry companion. To help prep dog parents for a safe visit to the coast this summer, the experts have revealed six hidden hazards at the beach to look out for, as well as five dog-friendly UK beaches that ensure 'wonderful memories'. Angela Laws, head of community at TrustedHousesitters, added: 'While a day at the beach can be a fantastic adventure for pets and owners alike, it's crucial to prioritise safety. Gloucestershire-based vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan and British pet-sitting platform TrustedHousesitters, reveal six beach hazards that could harm your dog (Stock image) 'By being aware of potential hazards and taking simple precautions, we can ensure our furry friends enjoy the seaside as much as we do. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in creating wonderful memories for the whole family - two-legged and four-legged alike'. Here, we reveal six hidden dangers lurking at the beach and how to keep your pet safe from them, as revealed by our expert. Dog-friendly UK beaches TrustedHousesitters has revealed 5 UK beaches that are perfect for your dog this summer: 1. Embleton Bay, Northumberland Embleton Bay offers a rugged coastline with an adventurous feel for your dog. The nearby fishing village of Craster is also very dog-friendly. 2. Marloes Sands, Pembrokeshire On Wales' south-western coast, Marloes Sands features stunning rock pools and a tidal island for you and your dog to explore. 3. Seacliff Beach, East Lothian Seacliff Beach is a dog-friendly spot with rock pools and sandy shores. Enjoy views of the 14th-century Tantallon Castle overhead. 4. Fistral Beach, Cornwall Newquay's Fistral Beach is dog-friendly year-round, offering a beautiful expanse of sand and rolling dunes for you and your pet. 5. Holkham Beach, Norfolk Holkham Beach is ideal for long dog walks. It spans over four miles and, at low tide, the beach extends a mile from the entrance to the sea. Dogs are welcome year-round, but from April to August, they must be on leads in certain areas to protect nesting birds. Advertisement 1. Open holes According to Rebecca, it's not just what's in the sand that poses a threat, it's the sand itself as beaches often contain large holes. She explained: 'Large holes dug in the sand can present a major trip hazard for dogs running or chasing toys on the beach. Your dog may not be expecting a hole as they are running at speed and could fall and injure themselves'. If you or your dog decide to create a hole in the sand, the expert warns to be mindful of other beach-going pets and to fill it back up before heading off. 2. Sand and saltwater consumption A scenic day and blazing hot sun present the perfect combination to make your dog feel thirsty and dehydrated. With a large body of water in its sights your pet may fancy a sip of seawater but this seemingly harmless act could lead to a disaster said the expert. She added: 'When a dog ingests saltwater, it can disrupt the balance of electrolytes in the body and cause dehydration. Impaction is also another risk for dogs that make a habit of ingesting sand. 'Too much sand in your pet's digestive tract can cause a painful obstruction, which may require surgery'. 3. Beware of marine life From jellyfish to biting ants, the beach can be home to a whole heap of hazards, so it's best to supervise your dog at all times. 'Jellyfish stings can occur in the water or on land, especially if your pet is the inquisitive type' said the doctor. 'Stings can range in severity from mild irritations to anaphylactic reactions. If you think your dog has been stung, seek vet advice as soon as possible'. 4. Strong currents and waves Even the most talented doggy-paddlers can find themselves in deep water when faced with powerful currents, says Rebecca. 'Factor in your dog's swimming ability. If your pet is elderly, young, or debilitated then it is not sensible to allow them to swim out of their depth' she added. Rebecca said there may be broken glass or sharp objects hidden below the sands surface and advised keeping an eye on your dog at all times (Stock image) The expert stresses the importance of keeping an eye on your dog at all times throughout your stay at the beach. 5. Heatstroke Heatstroke occurs when the body's temperature rises above its normal range of 36C to 37.5C and hits 40C.However the outdoor temperature doesn't have to be that high for the risk of this to occur. Experts suggest caution when the thermometer hits 25C, and extreme care should be taken when it's more than 27C. The doctor cautioned: 'Some breeds will be much more prone to heatstroke, including brachycephalic or flat-faced types like pugs and bulldogs, as well as large or giant breeds with thick coats. 'Take precautions with pets in extreme heat, ensuring theyre hydrated and adapt walking times to avoid the hottest temperatures. Remember, beaches lack shade, so although the sunshine might be welcome to us, our furry friends risk paws burning and overheating'. 6. Unsupervised digging While your four-legged friend might fancy a spot of innocent digging at the seaside, unsupervised quests can unearth hidden dangers. 'Barbecues are common at the beach in the summer months, so ensure your pet doesn't scavenge around people's leftovers or litter' warned the expert. 'While people should dispose of hot coals responsibly, there are regular stories of people or animals burning themselves on discarded barbecue embers. 'There may also be broken glass or sharp objects hidden below the sands surface, so if your pooch is prone to digging, make sure youre nearby in case of any unexpected finds'. A bride has hit back at critics after her mom's dress was the center of controversy on her big day - with people accusing her of trying to upstage her own daughter. When Sydney Marie Slavens, 28, tied the knot to her husband, Nick Slavens, on November 27, 2022 she wore a wedding dress she adored - and wanted her mom to feel just as special. After trying on over 30 mother-of-the-bride dresses, Beverly Norberg finally landed on a beautiful light-blue strapless Nadia Manjarrez gown - instantly falling in love with it. 'My husband and son were with me in New York, and their faces lit up when they saw me,' Beverly, 55, told Today. Beverly FaceTimed Sydney and the two knew it was the one - but after Sydney's big day, social media users raged the light-blue gown was too similar to a wedding dress. Sydney Marie Slavens has hit back at critics after her mom's dress was the center of controversy on her big day, with people accusing her of trying to upstage her own daughter 'They hated that it "over shined" my dress but I think shes fab!' Sydney, who is a wedding photographer, explained in a TikTok comment. 'She needed a moment,' she added. Sydney explained how she loved that her mom's dress had texture, knowing it would photograph well. She also quipped her mom was her 'something blue' for her big day. Despite her adorable sentiments, the videos Sydney posted on social media were flooded with users accusing Beverly of trying to upstage her daughter - some even saying they thought she was the bride. 'People got cruel to the point where I stopped looking,' the mother-of-the-bride admitted. 'I deleted one of the videos because it got to be too much,' Sydney added. 'Was confused at first? Two brides? I think moms gown is a wedding dress. Why though?' asked one user. After trying on over 30 mother-of-the-bride dresses, Beverly Norberg finally landed on a beautiful light-blue strapless Nadia Manjarrez gown - instantly falling in love with it Users accused her mom of trying to upstage her daughter - some even saying they thought she was the bride 'Inappropriate color. There are so many beautiful colors and mom picks this,' another criticized. 'What's wrong with her dress. Gorgeous. Everyone has to have an opinion,' shared another. 'It's only EVER an issue if guests or family go against the bride's wishes! It's clear the bride wanted her mom in this dress, so anyone elses opinions are irrelevant! 'Her mom was her something blue,' another said. The Royal Family did not publicly wish Meghan Markle a happy 43rd birthday Meghan Markle appeared to be snubbed by The Firm yet again as they remained silent on her 43rd birthday yesterday. The Duchess of Sussex has received messages from other senior working members of The Firm in previous years. Fans of the royals may view this as evidence of the strained relationships between the Sussexes and the Waleses, along with King Charles and Queen Camilla in recent months. They also did not put out any statements on Meghan's 42nd birthday last year; her first birthday since Charles became King after the death of Queen Elizabeth in September 2022. Royal aides said they only marked the birthdays of working members of the Royal Family on their official social media accounts. But this differed from what members of the Royal Family have done previously. The Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and King Charles are pictured on Christmas Day in Sandringham in 2018 The Duchess of Sussex has experienced messages from other senior working members of The Firm in previous years, but didn't for her 42nd or 43rd birthday (pictured in July) The Sussexes quit their roles as senior working members of the Royal Family in January 2020, before moving to the US in June of that year, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. But William and Kate shared a message with their millions of followers on social media two years after they left, publicly wishing Prince Harry's wife a happy birthday when she turned 41. On August 4, 2022, William and Kate sent a message to Meghan on X (formerly Twitter) from their official account, saying: 'Wishing a happy birthday to the Duchess of Sussex!' Their message, posted at 9.01am, also featured a photograph of Meghan in a white outfit and hat taken during her visit to the UK a few months earlier for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Charles, then the Prince of Wales, and Camilla, then the Duchess of Cornwall, also sent a message marking Meghan's 41st, writing 'Happy Birthday to The Duchess of Sussex!' with a red balloon emoji. Since their departure from The Firm, Harry and Meghan gave an explosive interview to Oprah about their experiences of being royals in 2021. The couple's bombshell interview sent shock waves around the world as the couple laid bare the extent of their rift with the Queen and other senior royals. Meghan Markle is pictured arm-in-arm with her husband Prince Harry alongside Prince William, Kate and King Charles (who was then a Prince) in 2018 The Sussexes (pictured in 2018) quit their roles as senior working members of the Royal Family in January 2020, before moving to the US in June of that year They then signed a deal with Netflix and released their docuseries named Harry & Meghan in December 2022, before the Prince released his controversial tell-all autobiography Spare, published in January last year. In the book he claimed he begged his father not to marry Camilla due to fears she would be a 'wicked stepmother'. Harry also alleged that his brother, Prince William 'knocked me to the floor' in 2019 during an argument about his marriage to Meghan. Since then, Meghan did not attend the King's coronation in May 2023 and Harry was seated away from senior members of the family. Harry was also in London in May earlier this year for an Invictus Games event, but did not meet his father during his whistle-stop tour, despite being just three miles away from his father in Clarence House. The Prince had hoped to meet his estranged father the King during his trip, which follows a previous quick visit in February after Charles's cancer diagnosis. But Harry's spokesman said at the time: 'In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not The Duke will meet with his father while in the UK this week, it unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty's full programme. 'The Duke of course is understanding of his father's diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.' When The Princess of Wales, 42, announced her cancer diagnosis to the world at the end of March, the Duke and Duchess released a brief statement to Harper's Bazar saying: 'We wish her health and healing'. Meghan's birthday this year falls on the same day that her rare joint interview with Prince Harry air on CBS Sunday Morning. Meghan's birthday this year falls on the same day that her rare joint interview with Prince Harry air on CBS Sunday Morning The mother-of-two spoke about how she wants to protect her children from harmful content online, after revealing she was bullied by trolls on social media while she was pregnant with both of her children. She told the television show in the preview: 'Our kids are young they're 3 and 5. They're amazing, 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.' It is thought that Meghan spent her birthday this year celebrating privately with close family and friends, as she has done previously. And it seems the Sussexes may also be preparing for their 'quasi' royal tour to Colombia, after it was announced the couple would be visiting the country by Francia Marquez, Colombia's vice president. Prince Harry revealed he wanted to travel more during their trip to Africa earlier this year, which stirred up a frenzy. Very little could separate identical twins Inga and Inese. Even though, as adults, they ended up living in different countries, they messaged or chatted incessantly, never out of touch. So when Inese Briede, a teacher, could not get hold of her twin on a Saturday morning in January, she was concerned, especially because Inga had been complaining of a severe headache the day before. Indeed, Inese had been the one to persuade Inga ('who never liked to make a fuss') to go to A&E, just to be checked out. Odd, then, that Inga hadn't updated her sister overnight. 'It was early in the morning. I tried phoning, WhatsApping, normal voice calls,' Inese recalls. 'She still didn't pick up. I tried one last time a videocall, and this time it was answered. I thought, 'Oh she's picked up, but she must have been sleeping. She will give me a hard time because I have woken her'.' How she wishes that had been the case. Instead, the face of a nurse in uniform came on the screen, and it dawned on Inese that the bright striplights she could see on the ceiling were 'not from Inga's apartment'. Inese Briede and Inga Rublite in their last picture together, aged 34, at Christmas Inese had to suffer the trauma of receiving a video call from a nurse treating her sister 'I remember thinking, 'That is the hospital. Why is Inga still in the hospital?' Then the nurse said, 'Who is calling?' and I told her I was Inga's identical twin. 'The nurse said, 'You need to come to the hospital right away'. I could see legs behind her. I think they were my sister's legs.' So began her worst nightmare. A day later, Inese was at her sister's bedside as her life-support machine was turned off. It is hard to comprehend the horror of watching your identical twin die. 'We had shared everything. She was a part of me,' says Inese, 39. 'If she went blonde, I went blonde. If she dyed her hair black, I went black. We even had identical tattoos. 'To see her lying in that hospital bed, with all those tubes, it was like looking at myself. I said, 'This cannot be the end.' How has this happened? She only went to hospital with a headache. And she was in the best place. To me hospital means 'safe'.' One family's unthinkable tragedy, of course, but the death of Inga Rublite should shame us all. For Inga was not 'safe'. Despite presenting at Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham one of the country's leading teaching hospitals with a searing headache, blurred vision and neck pain (all textbook symptoms that should have alerted staff to the possibility of a bleed in the brain) she was assessed only by junior staff and at no point saw a doctor, who were all unavailable due to an ambulance backlog. Nor was a vital brain scan ever requested. Inga waited, and waited, to be seen. An inquest into her death last month determined that she spent eight hours in a chaotic waiting area, which was operating at almost double patient capacity (maximum capacity was 38 but at one point there were over 70 patients waiting for attention). The girls aged six. While they were part of a large family, the sisters enjoyed a special bond Born in the city of Jelgava only two minutes apart (Inga arrived first) the twins' lives were often interchangeable. Here they are as young women, aged 21 At some point and it is a source of great distress that no-one can pinpoint exactly when, because no CCTV footage was kept Inga 'slumped' to the floor. She was found, covered in a coat, at 7am, too late to be saved. Unable to respond when her name was called, staff assumed she had given up waiting, and simply left. Coroner Dr Elizabeth Didcock concluded that while she died from natural causes, there were 'two missed opportunities' to diagnose Inga. But one of the most shocking facts to emerge from the inquest was that it was not unusual for homeless people to sleep on the floors and seats of the waiting area. Was the mother of two whose children, aged 12 and 11, were tucked up in bed at home mistaken for a vagrant? A matron at QMC told the inquest: 'Someone sleeping under a coat in our waiting room is not unheard of; a lot of homeless people come and sit in our department, and it is busy and noisy.' Inese still can't quite comprehend this: 'Why don't security guards move them on and say 'you cannot sleep here. This is for sick people'?' This is Inese's first major interview about her sister's death. Her grief is still raw, but so is her disbelief that such a thing can happen. 'How can it, in your NHS?' she asks, to which there is no answer. She would never have said, before, that the healthcare system in Latvia where the twins grew up, and where Inese lives - is superior to the British one, but now she wonders. The family are now preparing to take legal action against the hospital trust, but she is giving this interview 'because what happened to my sister should never be allowed to happen again'. How heartbreaking the family photo album now seems. Born in the city of Jelgava only two minutes apart (Inga arrived first) the twins' lives were often interchangeable. 'I once sat a maths exam twice because they would not accept that I was not Inga,' smiles Inese. 'And once I went on a date in her place because she said she did not like the boy!' Theirs was a big, boisterous family (they were the youngest of seven siblings) and when they were 18, the sisters moved to the UK, seeing opportunity. 'We didn't speak much English at the time, but we soon became fluent,' Inese remembers, recalling a happy time 'travelling all around the UK'. Inga fell in love with Britain, but by the time they were 24, Inese was feeling homesick, and returned to Latvia. Inga opted to stay. 'It was the first time we went in different directions,' Inese, who has daughters aged 15 and 12, recalls. 'But even when I went home, we talked all the time. We had coffee every morning on a video call. She would message me when she saw something funny. She had the best laugh.' Ironically, it had been Inese who had insisted her sister seek medical help. On Friday, January 19, they had been in the middle of one their chats when Inga, who was on a lunchbreak at the dispatch warehouse where she worked, suddenly put her hand to her head and winced. 'She said it felt weird, not a normal headache, but as if something was being squished,' recalls Inese. 'I said maybe she should go home, but she said she would take a paracetamol. She said 'it's only a headache'.' She knows now that Inga left work around 3pm and went home, to bed. 'I woke her up around 9pm when I called to see how she was. She wanted to chat but she said she couldn't sit comfortably. The pain was worse. She was trying to lie down, but I could see it wasn't right. I said, 'Maybe you need to go to the hospital or call an ambulance.'' Around 8.50pm, Inga called 111 - keeping her sister in the loop. 'First she said someone (from the NHS helpline) was going to call her back, then I asked her to take her blood pressure, and she did it was high. 'She called them back, but they told her they were very busy and she should go to the hospital herself. Obviously it was not safe for her to drive, so she asked her neighbour could she take her.' Inga was a single mother, having split from her sons' father, and the neighbour also had to leave a child who was under 16. Inga pictured shortly before her death from a bleed on the brain. She was 39 Queens Medical Centre where Inga died in January 'I still feel that an ambulance should have come at this stage because all three of those children were left on their own,' Inese says. Inga was admitted to hospital at 22.39, processed and assessed, but her condition was clearly not deemed life-threatening. 'But when they were still in the waiting room after midnight, her neighbour said she had to go home to her son, and to check on Inga's boys.' Inga was now on her own. 'And we know from her phone that she was sitting there Googling 'thunderclap headaches' which is what the phone operator had told her it could be,' says Inese. 'She would have read that this can mean a bleed on the brain. I cannot imagine what she went through sitting there, the pressure building and building in her head.' Just after midnight, her phone records show that Inga called her youngest son, presumably to check up on him. 'He didn't answer because he was already asleep,' says Inese. 'The older boy messaged her too saying, 'I am going to sleep now. Love you'. 'She did not reply, which was not Inga. She would always have answered. She would have said 'love you too' if she had been able. 'Her boys were her life. She was so proud of them, and so protective. When we knew what had happened, my first thought was, 'My God. How can we tell those boys'.' The inquest clarified that around 2am there was a conversation with a nurse, when Inga complained that her symptoms had worsened. At this stage, her case should have been escalated to a more senior medic. It was not. Inga's name was called three times between 4.30am and 6.50am. When she did not reply, no-one looked for her, or queried her absence, the inquest heard. She was only discovered, on the floor, unconscious, at 7am just as her Inese was starting the process of trying to reach her on her phone. The fact that she was covered by her coat? 'I still don't understand the coat, because it wasn't cold. All I can think is that Inga pulled the coat over her face to shield her eyes from the bright lights. She said she couldn't bear the light.' Inga had been transferred to the ICU unit by the time Inese managed to get a flight to the UK from Latvia. She already knew she was coming to say a final goodbye. 'The consultant told me on a video call that they could not operate.' It is pitiful to hear her praise the staff who looked after Inga at the end. 'At this point, she had good care. They were kind. They helped us do prints of her fingertips.' She hopes her nephews, who now live with their father, can one day use them for a memento. Inese tells me that she took the boys out to McDonalds when she was back in the UK for last week's inquest. 'I don't know if it helps them to see me, or makes it more difficult for them, because I look exactly the same as their mother.' Inga's death has left an unfillable void for Inese too. 'I have other sisters, but the bond between twins is something different,' she says. 'Every day, many times, I will see something funny and I will reach for my phone to message Inga. 'I don't think I will ever be able to delete her number. Not ever.' In statement released after the inquest, Dr Manjeet Shehmar, medical director at the hospital trust, said: 'We would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family of Inga for their loss. 'Although due to the nature of the bleed on the brain the outcome is unlikely to have been different, we accept there were missed opportunities in Inga's care and are truly sorry that we did not meet the standards we strive to deliver. 'We fully accept the coroner's findings, have conducted an investigation and are determined to take all action possible to improve our care.' By awful coincidence, Inese herself gained first hand experience of what her sister would have witnessed in that A&E unit. A few days after Inga died, and while she was still staying in her flat, Inese suffered heart palpitations. The paramedics who eventually attended agreed that she needed hospital attention, but in the ambulance Inese asked what hospital she was being taken to. Queen's Medical Centre, came the reply. 'I said, 'No, I cannot go there. My sister is in the mortuary there. She went in with a headache, and now she is dead.'' They was no alternative, however. 'By the time I arrived in A&E, they knew what had happened to my sister there,' she says. 'The first thing a doctor said to me was, 'I am sorry for your loss' and I got a scan, whereas she never did.' Eventually, Inese got the all clear (her palpitations were likely brought on by the shock of her sister's death, she says). Still, it was 3am before she was discharged. 'In the hours waiting to get the results, I saw the beds lined up in corridors. And the frustrations and anger of patients waiting for hours and hours. So much anger.' If Inga got angry, there is no evidence of it. 'My sister wouldn't have,' says Inese, shaking her head. 'She was polite. She would never have yelled at the doctors. She was polite until the end. 'What I would like to say to those in charge is that patients are not just numbers. You can't just put them on the system and forget about them. 'Every person who walks into a hospital has a loved one, who is waiting for them to return.' A humble grocery store in Sydney is the home of a master perfumer with a reputation for making on-the-spot dupes of any fragrance. A world of scent lies at the end of the Rockdale convenience store's grocery aisle, where Ali Jalloul of Jalu Fragrances promises 'A-grade inspiration' dupes, made to order. With bottles filled with every kind of exotic perfume, the colourful counter looks like the home of a mad scientist with a fancy for fragrance - and it has been pulling in droves of fans from all over Sydney since it opened three years ago. Safa Abouradi's visit to the scent shop famed for 'amazing perfume dupes' was viewed 1.1 million times after being posted on TikTok. Safa, who has worn Yves Saint Laurent's best-selling Black Opium fragrance for five years, requested a dupe of her favourite scent. Ali had only to smell the luxury women's fragrance beloved for its notes of intense coffee and seductive florals for a few moments before telling Safa: 'I know I can make it.' After twenty minutes of mixing and tweaking different scents, Mr Jalloul had perfected his clone of the YSL designer perfume which retails at $282 for 90 ml. 'This is me trying the perfume and let me tell you, it was identical, I've been wearing Black Opium for five years and I know how it smells,' a delighted Safa said. Ali Jalloul of Jalu Fragrances mixes custom blended and designer dupe perfume from his busy counter at the back of a Sydney convenience store Perfumer Ali Jalloul took only twenty minutes to recreate the coffee-floral scent of YSL's best seller, Black Opium Safa Abouradi couldn't believe how accurate the Jalu Fragrance dupe of her YSL favourite was Jalu Fragrances is easy to miss, hidden at the back of Nobby's Discount store in Rockdale Ali Jalloul has been obsessed with fragrances ever since he was a child, and has been making perfume dupes for Sydneysiders in the know for three years 'When I say I've found a hidden gem - I really mean it,' she added. People commenting were impressed to discover that the Sydney perfumer charged Safa $70 for his version of Black Opium - over $200 cheaper than the original. Fans of Jalu Fragrances agree that Ali has an uncanny ability to replicate most popular fragrances. 'Almost all of his fragrances that I have tried are really close to the originals, two that I own are clones of Louis Vuitton Ombre Nomad and Imagination, and both are great,' one man said. 'He's lovely and the perfumes are spot on,' another woman agreed. Ali Jalloul of Jalu Fragrances mixing perfume to order at the back of a Rockdale convenience store Jalu Fragances make dupes of well loved classics by Tom Ford, Yves Saint Laurent and Chanel One fragrance lover was excited to discover that it was possible to recreate a favourite, discontinued scent. 'OMG, I have a tiny bit left of a perfume that isn't made anymore! Definitely going to check this out.' The Jalu Fragrance website lists an extensive range of 'for him' and 'for her' fragrances with many replications of best selling scents from brands such as Tom Ford, Chanel and Louis Vuitton. People wanting to know if the dupes lasted as long as the original perfumes were told that the scents lingered for as long, or even longer. Mr Jalloul spoke to Femail about his obsession with scent that began when he was a child smelling his mothers and fathers fragrances. The first perfume he ever loved was Black XS by Paco Rabanne. While Ali can recreate fragrances from smell, he typically relies on formulas to keep up with demand for his perfumes which has been exploding in recent years. Mr Jalloul names Baccarat Rogue 540 by Maison Francis Kurkdjian and Creed by Adventus as his most requested women's and men's dupes. Jalu Fragrances can be found tucked away at the back of Nobby's Discount Store in the southern Sydney suburb of Rockdale. The current cost of living crisis has seen a rise in the popularity of designer dupes - with many people having to cut back on luxury spending as mortgages, rents and grocery prices skyrocket. Beauty dupes from bargain retailers such as Kmart continue to be popular with cash strapped Aussies. The Spanish royals put on a united front as they enjoyed a big family dinner out in Mallorca. Taking advantage of the stunning summer weather on the island, Felipe VI and his wife Letizia were joined by both their daughters and other regal relatives. The King's mother, Queen Sofia, and aunt - Princess Irene of Greece and Denmark - was also pictured arriving at Mia restaurant in Palma, along with Tatiana Radziwill - Sofia's second cousin - and her husband Dr Jean Henri Fruchaud. It's not the first time the diner has enjoyed a royal presence, with the family visiting the same place in September as well. Letizia, 51 , was the image of summer glamour in a chic pink dress adorned with an intricate floral display. The Spanish royals put on a united front as they enjoyed a big family dinner out in Mallorca this weekend The frock featured a halter neck detail that showed off the Queen's toned shoulders, and she accessorised her look with a patterned matching clutch. Some golden strappy sandals completed the look, as the mother-of-two opted for a dewy and understated make-up look. Meanwhile her daughter, Crown Princess Leonor, 18, was elegant in a taupe and navy jumpsuit and fun blue handbag. She wore her long tresses down in a sleek style, and accentuated her glowy skin with blush. Her younger sister - Infanta Sofia of Spain - was similarly sophisticated in a green maxi dress. The 17-year-old royal and her sibling both smiled for photos as they arrived for dinner with their family last night. King Felipe, 56, was dapper in a white linen shirt and black trousers, perfect for the blazing Mallorcan weather. He was pictured arm in arm with his mother Queen Sofia, 85, who looked healthy as ever in a red shirt and white trousers. Taking advantage of the summer weather on the island, Felipe VI and his wife Letizia were joined by both their daughters and other regal relatives. Pictured: Crown Princess Leonor The King's mother, Queen Sofia, and aunt - Princess Irene of Greece and Denmark (right) - was also pictured arriving at Mia restaurant in Palma, along with Tatiana Radziwill - Sofia's second cousin - and her husband Dr Jean Henri Fruchaud. Pictured left and centre, Letizia and Infanta Sofia Crown Princess Leonor (pictured right), 18, was elegant in a taupe and navy gown and fun blue handbag She wore her long tresses down in a sleek style, and accentuated her glowy skin with blush. Leonor also donned a lilac flower necklace Tatiana Radziwill - Queen Sofia's second cousin - pictured arriving to the restaurant with Crown Princess Leonor of Spain Letizia, 51 , was the image of summer glamour in a chic pink dress adorned with an intricate floral display King Felipe, 56, was dapper in a white linen shirt and black trousers, perfect for the blazing Mallorcan weather The regal relatives appeared to be in good spirits as they enjoyed their evening together while on their Mallorcan getaway. And Mia appears to be the spot for VIP guests - as actress Teri Hatcher, 59, was pictured enjoying dinner with her daughter at the same restaurant. The united display comes after a challenging few months for the monarchs - after bombshell claims made by the Queen's ex-brother-in-law, who alleges that he had an 'affair' with the royal after her marriage to King Felipe. The Spanish Royal Family was rocked by outlandish claims from Jaime Del Burgo - who in July caused shockwaves again when he claimed that he is still in contact with the mother-of-two in an interview with Argentinian newspaper Clarin. The Household has since put on a strong united front - with Letizia having not been pictured undertaking a solo outing before since June 25 - but recently making the leap to appear on her own again last month. Instead, the glamorous Queen was surrounded by her supportive family during engagements, appearing alongside her lookalike daughters, Infanta Sofia and Princess Leonor, or clinging onto her husband's arm. Letizia was all smiles as she enjoyed the dinner with her husband, daughters, and in-laws' family Her youngest daughter, Sofia, 17, sported a chic green maxi dress for the family outing in Mallorca Following in her mother and older sister's footsteps, Sofia wore her tresses down in a sleek style Letizia and her husband appeared to be in high spirits as they walked alongside each other last night Letizia's dress showed off her summer tan. She accentuated her dewy skin with some light make-up Leonor donned a patterned jumpsuit and strappy sandals for the evening, whereas her mother opted for a pink floral dress The family came together to enjoy their Mallorcan getaway together, and were pictured enjoying a dinner Everyone appeared in high spirits - sporting summer tans - as they arrived at the restaurant for dinner Del Burgo dated Queen Letizia in the late 1990s when she was still working as a newsreader, before going on to marry her sister, Telma, from 2012 until 2014. However, in a bombshell book released in November 2023, called Letizia y Yo and written by 91-year-old journalist Jaime Penafiel, Del Burgo alleged he and the Spanish Queen carried on their romantic affair even as she was about to walk down the aisle to marry King Felipe. Since the explosive book was published, Jaime Penafiel has been sacked from his newspaper El Mundo. In the book, the businessman told the author that he met Letizia before 2000 and their relationship began on a romantic trip to Venice, years before she met King Felipe. Jaime - who is the son of the former politician Jaime Ignacio del Burgo - claims he was planning to propose to Letizia when she announced that she was dating a mysterious 'diplomat' over dinner at the Ritz hotel in Madrid in 2002. Describing how 'serious and significant' their relationship was, Panafiel made the unlikely claim that Jaime was 'carrying an engagement ring his his pocket' that evening. Letizia reportedly told him that she had 'met someone who would oblige her to quit her profession', which Jaime said led him to deduce her mystery partner was Felipe. After the pair reportedly decided to just be friends, Jaime is said to have advised Letizia: 'Don't announce the romance, just the wedding.' Queen Sofia coordinated her ensemble as she donned a red shirt, clutch and shoes with some white trousers Letizia and her mother-in-law looked to enjoy some conversation together as they enjoyed dinner together The Spanish royals came out for a big family dinner while enjoying some time in Mallorca this weekend Letizia and her husband looked to be in high spirits as they spoke with one another this weekend Following their engagement announcement in 2003, Letizia - who had divorced her first husband in 1999 - reportedly asked Jaime to be a witness at their wedding. Jaime also made the incredible claim that the Queen asked to see him the night before the wedding at the exclusive El Latigazo restaurant in Madrid - where she asked him to 'never leave' her. He sensationally claimed: 'When we met, she took hold of my hand and asked me why I had never asked her to marry me. Obviously I didn't reply. I encouraged her as best I could. The last thing she said to me before we said goodbye to each other in that restaurant was a request: "Never leave me."' Following the wedding, Jaime described how Letizia was like a 'fox in a chicken coop' as she was 'cleverer than any of them'. Del Burgo - who says the Queen nicknamed him her 'yogi pal' - claims he still had a romantic relationship with Letizia even after the wedding in 2004. He also claims he has kept 'photographs, videos, mobile phones' and text messages as evidence. In the book, Jaime sensationally claims that Letizia whispered that she loved him when they were lying in a hammock by a pool at her home following Princess Leonor's birth. One of the most damaging claims Jaime reportedly makes is that Queen Letizia suggested they have a child together using a surrogate in Los Angeles. Penafiel goes on to write that when Sofia was born, Jaime del Burgo became uncle to both of the girls. It then quotes him as saying: 'It was a beautiful period. I didn't have children, and those girls made me so happy. I was working in Brazil and suffered a pulmonary embolism. 'I was in intensive care for a fortnight. I managed to get the Albert Einstein Hospital to give me a telephone Letizia and I spoke to each other every day on [the phone]. 'During my visits to Madrid I would often go to the cinema with Felipe, Letizia and some friends. Letizia and I would always sit together, holding hands. They were moments of happiness.' However in August 2011, Jaime alleges Letizia abruptly ended their relationship when she called him and said: 'We can't continue seeing each other.' Following this, Jaime alleges that a female friend told him to get in touch with Telma - who he had met when he first started dating Letizia. Felipe was pictured arm in arm with his mother Queen Sofia, 85, who looked healthy as ever in a red shirt and white trousers Letizia and Felipe were all smiles as they were joined by the extended family for dinner last night Letizia and Felipe looked to enjoy a sweet moment together as they joined their family for dinner The following year, the pair got engaged after just two months of dating. The Queen's sister already had her daughter Amanda from her relationship with ex-partner Enrique Martin Llop. At this time, Jaime claims he was still close to Letizia and Felipe and he claimed he bonded with his future wife after the four of them went to the cinema in Madrid one day. After tying the knot in an intimate ceremony, the couple celebrated their marriage with a larger reception in Italy - which was attended by their family. Jaime del Burgo is quoted in the book as saying: 'When the guests congratulated us, Letizias turn came and kissing me on the cheek, she whispered into my ear, "Well be together again."' In 2012, the pair relocated to New York to start their married life - but Telma returned to Barcelona the same year before announcing their permanent separation in 2014. He then goes on to outrageously claim that Letizia 'didn't stop until she managed to make [Jaime's marriage fail' - citing it as the 'only battle he'd lost in his life'. In December, Jaime posted a selfie of Queen Letizia on X as 'evidence' of their relationship. In the selfie, the royal can be seen wearing a black pashmina - which Jaime claims belonged to him - and he also typed out a message, supposedly sent to him by the Spanish Queen. It read: 'Love. I wear your pashmina. It's like feeling you by my side. It takes care of me. 'It protects me. I count the hours until we see each other again. Love you. Get out of here. Yours,' After sharing the image, other X users questioned the validity of Jaime's claims - given there is no evidence that Letizia sent him the photo or accompanying message. A spokesperson for the Spanish Royal Family previously told FEMAIL: 'We have no comment to make about this.' When the Duchess of Sussex met parents whose children had been victims of online bullying, she skipped formalities and offered them a warm hug. Meghan Markle, 43, took to Santa Barbra with Prince Harry, 39, to support grieving parents as part of their new initiative called The Parents Network, forming a new branch of the Archewell Foundation. In an interview for American broadcaster CBS, the royals discussed the launch 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. The CBS segment praised the Sussex's willingness to hug members of the public, with the news anchor saying at the start of the interview: 'Harry and Meghan are definitely big huggers'. It's an act not often associated with members of the royal family, and in the Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan, the mother-of-two previously revealed how her hugs haven't always had a positive reception. Meghan Markle was praised on American broadcast network CBS over the weekend for being a 'big hugger' - a characteristic she has repeatedly demonstrated, including during a 2018 visit to the Hubb Community Kitchen in London (pictured) Talking in the 2020 docuseries, the 43-year-old revealed she was 'barefoot' and wearing ripped jeans when she first met the Prince and Princess of Wales. Meghan said she did not know the 'formality' carries on behind closed doors and that she is a 'hugger', which she did not realise was 'jarring for some Brits'. In the explosive Netflix docuseries, the mother-of-two admitted she was 'surprised' there is a 'forward facing way of being' in private. She said: 'Even when Will and Kate came over and I was meeting her for the first time I remember I was in ripped jeans, I was barefoot. Like I was a hugger, I have always been a hugger I didn't realise that is really jarring for a lot of Brits.' 'I started to understand that the formality on the outside carried through on the inside, that there is a forward facing way of being and then you close the door and think "OK we can relax now". But that formality carries over on both sides and that was surprising to me.' Despite attracting mixed feelings from others, Meghan has continued to embrace the public on various occasions, including Invictus Games participants, with her photographed hugging swimmer Danielle Pothoof at the medals ceremony last year. It was also a running theme during the Sussex's three-day tour of Nigeria in May, during which Meghan thanked Nigerians for welcoming her to 'my country', where she hoped she can 'do justice' to being a 'role model'. The Duchess of Sussex, who recently discovered she is '43 per cent Nigerian', wowed crowds in May as she and Prince Harry conducted a whirlwind 'royal' tour of the African nation. 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 is no stranger to showing warmth when it comes to meeting members of the public, including Luke Vincent, aged five, from Buninyong Public School, at Dubbo Airport (pictured) Harry and Meghan were shown embracing parents from The Parents' Network as they met in person for its launch The mother-of-two did not hold back when it came to hugging members of the Nigerian public, with her photographed hugging various individuals lining the streets to meet her. It's of little surprise then that Meghan greeted parents on the CBS segment with a warm embrace - an action that received praise news anchor Jane Pauley. During the interview, Meghan 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. Meghan first 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. '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. '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 mother-of-two embraced members of the public during her quasi-royal tour of Nigeria with Prince Harry in May Last year, Meghan hugged swimmer Danielle Pothoof at the Swimming Medals Ceremony during day seven of the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf 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 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'. 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. At the start of the CBS segment, Meghan was seen in a clip hugging bereaved parents Meghan first spoke of her suicidal thoughts while being a working royal in an bombshell interview with Oprah in 2021 In the 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 also discussed their own experience with their children, Archie and Lilbet. She said: '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.' Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle have launched an initiative aimed at tackling child safety online. 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, whose 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 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. 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) A vet has criticised a new 99 perfume for dogs - saying that the product could cause some issues for the animals and describing the extravagance as 'frustrating' amid many people struggling with the cost of living. According to the Times, the scent released by Dolce & Gabbana is named Fefe, after Domenico Dolce's poodle, and was created by master perfumer Emilie Coppermann, who has previously developed fragrances for Balmain and Paco Rabane. D&G describes the perfume on its website as 'an olfactory masterpiece featuring the cocooning and warm notes of Ylang , the clean and enveloping touch of Musk, and the woody creamy undertones of Sandalwood'. A video promoting the scent features a number of dogs sitting on a stool, alongside close-up shots of the perfume, which D&G says is 'housed in a sleek green lacquered glass bottle, adorned with a vibrant red metal cap and a precious 24-carat gold-plated paw'. Over the footage there is a voiceover, saying: 'I am delicate, authentic, charismatic, sensitive, enigmatic, rebel, fresh, irresistible, clean.' Dolce & Gabbana's new dog perfume Fefe has been criticised by some experts who say it could cause some issues for the animals The release of Fefe marks a major fashion house's first foray into dog fragrance. According to the product description on D&G's website, the scent is vet approved, safety tested in vitro, and certified by Safe Pet Cosmetics, an Italian company which aims to 'ensure the safety of pet care products, comparable to the safety of human care products'. Furthermore, in a consumer test, 100 per cent of participants who tested the fragrance on their dogs said the scent was 'delicate' and 'well accepted' by their animals. Almost all (90 per cent) said the scent lasted all day. However, the product has come in for criticism from an expert, who said it could cause a number of problems. Fabian Rivers, a welfare ambassador for the RSPCA and specialist small animal vet, told the Times that people may use the fragrance to mask unpleasant odours coming from their dog - instead of seeking veterinary advice about possible skin conditions causing the smell. He also noted that dogs might find the scent 'distracting or unpleasurable', though he added that dogs have such sophisticated noses, the perfume shouldn't stop them from being able to smell each other without becoming confused. Describing most dog toiletries as 'lowbrow', with price points (normally below 15), Fabian also discussed the high price of Fefe. He said: 'The fact that they're coming into this market at such a high price is an interesting way of having people spend their money on things that have very little merit. But it's your choice on how to spend your money.' The perfume (pictured) which was created by master perfumer Emilie Coppermann, costs 99 for a 100ml bottle Fabian added that he found it 'frustrating' that the wealthier demographic buying this type of product are 'finding new ways to spend their money' while many others are financially struggling. Meanwhile, pet aromatherapy and behaviour expert Katie Gwilt told FEMAIL that she had concerns that putting perfume on a dog could affect their senses. 'Dogs have 300 million smell receptors whereas humans only have six million, so as you can imagine putting scent on a dog really interferes with their sense of smell,' she explained. 'Anything strong like a perfume could be unbearably strong to a dog, and if they don't like it they can't walk away from it. 'For a working dog carrying a strong unknown smell can really affect their ability to function, and they can get confused as their scent profile has been changed. They may panic thinking that something is wrong, and that they even aren't the same dog. 'Dogs use scent to perceive the world in the same way that we use our eyes, so we need to consider this when introducing strong smells that they really don't need.' Designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana (pictured at their Fall/Winter 2024 show during Milan Fashion Week in February) are the first major fashion designers to release a dog perfume The idea to create the perfume was born some four years ago, after Stefano Gabbana adopted his miniature poodle Fefe. However, the puppy did not get along with his cat, so Stefano gave Fefe to his business partner Domenico Dolce. In an interview published by Italian newspaper the Corriere della Sera on Sunday, Domenico said he and his partner Guilherme Siqueira experienced love at first sight when they took in the dog, adding that they were 'immediately bewitched' by him. The dog's name is a diminutive of Raffaele, which Domenico said 'means gift from God...And I, as a good Catholic, considered that this dog really was a gift from God'. Fefe (the scent) should be applied to people's hands or a brush, before being applied to their dog's fur, according to the brand, which added that it can be also be directly applied to dogs, but the nose area should be avoided. A royal expert has slammed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for 'not practising what they preach' after their CBS interview on online safety on social media - hitting out at their links to tech entrepreneur Christopher Bouzy, whose online trolling of the Princess of Wales went as far as stating she was ageing as fast as a 'banana'. Speaking to FEMAIL, commentator Richard Fitzwilliams suggested that the Sussexes move to talk about protecting children from online harm and bullying was hypocritical, given the Brooklyn-born Silicon Valley star who featured as a talking head in their Netflix documentary has become 'notorious' for his cruel remarks on the Waleses. Christopher had previously aimed personal attacks at Kate, William, King Charles and Queen Camilla, including comments about their appearance, writing once that the Prince of Wales 'looks like a balding Muppet'. On another occasion he remarked that the future King and his wife were ageing quickly, adding: 'I don't understand why, since they have a team of people who wait on them hand and foot 24/7.' Around the same time on October 2021, he tweeted: 'I'm sorry, but William and Kate look like Harry's aunt and uncle'. A royal expert has slammed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for 'not practicing what they preach' after their CBS interview on online safety on social media And shortly after the death of the Queen in September 2022, he said that critics of Meghan wanted to paint her 'as some sort of harlot', adding: 'King Charles cheated on Diana and his mistress is now Queen Consort. All Meghan did was marry the man she loves while being black. Just stop.' Christopher was thrown into the spotlight by the release of Meghan and Harry's Netflix documentary, in which he claimed there is an agenda against the Duchess driven by 'hatred and race'. He was inspired to create his analytics business Bot Sentinel by the Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections - as a tool to prevent the spread of misinformation. He then came to the Sussexes' attention when he claimed that he was targeted by anti-Meghan Markle Twitter users when he wrote something nice about the couple. He claims that his research found that around 80 Twitter accounts were responsible for than two-thirds of all hateful 'anti-Meghan' messages. Christopher has since launched own social network Spoutible - billed by him as X without the bad bits - describes itself as a 'safe, inclusive, and enjoyable online space' with a 'zero-tolerance policy for targeted harassment. His mother died in 2021 after being infected with COVID-19 while fighting cancer. He revealed that she was too scared to have the COVID-19 vaccine because 'she had just heard so many different things [online]'. He has said that her memory has inspired him further to force X and other social media to remove misinformation. Speaking to FEMAIL, commentator Richard Fitzwilliams suggested that the Sussexes move to talk about protecting children from online harm and bullying was hypocritical, given the Brooklyn-born Silicon Valley star who featured as a talking head in their Netflix documentary has become 'notorious' for his cruel remarks about the Waleses. Pictured: Christopher Bouzy Within 30 minutes of Kate's video announcing a cancer diagnosis, he was fuelling the fire surrounding conspiracy theories in a rant to his 350,000 followers on X However, within 30 minutes of Kate's video announcing a cancer diagnosis, he was fuelling the fire surrounding conspiracy theories about in a rant to his 350,000 followers on X. 'I am sorry to hear Kate has cancer, I hope she has a full recovery. But it is also clear that all three earlier photos of her were fake, and the palace tried to cover it up,' he wrote. Christopher was apparently referencing Kate's Mother's Day photo, a video of her shopping in Windsor and an image of her being driven in a car. The 48-year-old added: 'The palace lied, and the British Press happily helped them lie. The countless 'conspiracy theory' headlines, while knowing a lot of what was being said was true. This is really some North Korea/Trumpian type of propaganda.' He went on to accuse Prince William of throwing his wife 'under the bus' over the altered Mother's Day portrait and said he had failed to back her in her announcement. He has also shared a CNN clip, which has now been viewed millions of times, in which a doctor claimed that Kate's statement did not make 'medical sense'. Asked how cancer could be found after surgery, Jonathan Reiner said: 'With all respect to the Royal Family, that kind of press release doesn't make a lot of medical sense.' The professor of medicine at George Washington University said such operations are preceded by extensive CAT scans and MRIs, adding it was 'very likely' the surgical team knew of the cancer prior to operating. Meghan candidly spoke about feelings she was subjected to as a working royal over the weekend She went on to share 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. Pictured with Harry and their newborn son Archie in 2019 Several red-faced celebrities and commentators including Blake Lively and Kerry Katona have apologised for their careless comments about Kate. Paddy Harverson, the former official spokesman of Kate and the Prince of Wales, said the online targeting of her was the worst he had witnessed. 'It's a sort of permanent doom loop. And it's the worst I've ever seen,' he told BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg. Royal expert Richard added: 'The launch on CBS of The Parents Network, to help those with the hashtag #NoChildLostToSocialMedia, a group of parents who have experienced the suffering which can be caused by social media, is undoubtedly an important step towards tackling a significant issue of contemporary concern. 'It followed a pilot by Harry and Meghan's Archewell Foundation and is linked to their forthcoming visit to Colombia.' However, he remarked: 'You often judge individuals by the company they keep,' hitting out at their links to Christopher and Omid Scobie - 'whose latest book, Endgame, was involved in a disgraceful row over unproven allegations which has never been satisfactorily explained'. The commentator also believes that Harry and Meghan's appearance on CBS News Sunday hinted that the Duchess, 43, may speak more about the difficulties she faced as a senior working royal, given her statement that she 'hadn't really scraped the surface' of suicidal fears she had endured. 'It was a tragedy that this was a disaster with an undoubted impact on her mental health,' Richard added. 'She hinted that she would open up if it helped others and "take the hit for that".' Christopher had previously aimed personal attacks at Kate (pictured last month), William, King Charles and Queen Camilla , including comments about their appearance, writing once that the Prince of Wales 'looks like a balding Muppet' William and Kate pictured with their young children at this year's Trooping the Colour - amid the Princess's cancer diagnosis Meghan candidly spoke about feelings she was subjected to as a working royal over the weekend. The Suits star first detailed such struggles 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, Meghan told host Jane Pauley how she hoped her candor would 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 Meghan to answer while reaching out to her spouse for support. '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,' Meghan 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. '[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 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 share 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. 'Our kids are young - they're 3 and 5. They're amazing,' Meghan said. '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. The Suits star first detailed her struggles in March 2021, when she told Oprah Winfrey she 'just didn't want to be alive anymore' because of abuse she was suffering online 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?'. '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 a 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 award 'the rising frontier for civil rights require algorithmic justice'. Harry and Meghan, in turn, said they 'could not agree more.' 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) A crafty mom has revealed how she makes popsicles out of her oversupply of breast milk for her family to enjoy, with even her husband giving it a try. Since giving birth to her second son, Leah Vidaurre, from Parma Heights, Ohio, has been left with the problem of over-producing breast milk and not knowing what to do with it. The 36-year-old mom produces 60 ounces, or about 7.5 cups, daily - but her infant son only drinks around half that. So, she decided to put the extra to good use by making fruit-flavored snacks to dish out to her family. 'I believe I created an oversupply by pumping every three hours as soon as my son was born,' she said. Leah Vidaurre, 36, of Parma Heights, Ohio, has gotten creative when it comes to re-purposing the breast milk her infant son doesn't get through in a day She produces about 7.5 cups of breast milk per day, but her baby only consumes about half of that amount 'Doing this signaled to my body that I needed more milk, so I started to produce more,' she further speculated. Of the popsicles, she added: 'I'll only stop making them when my kids stop eating them!' Leah elaborated about ho, after she gave birth to her second son, she began over-producing breast milk. Not wanting the leftover milk to go to waste, she decided to start trying out different ways of using it, including turning it into smoothies and even making milk soap. After a lot of experimenting, she found that fruit-flavored milk popsicles made for the best-tasting treat. And she now dishes them out to her kids - and even her husband - to make sure none of the breast milk goes to waste. Two cups of milk make up to four popsicles, she shared. The mom views it as a creative way to make sure her children are getting all the extra benefits from breast milk, such as vitamins and calcium, while getting a sweet treat at the same time. Not wanting the extra breast milk - which she calls 'liquid gold' - to go to waste, Leah began experimenting with other uses for it One of the best uses she's found for the extra breast milk is to blend it with fruit and freeze it, creating fruit-flavored popsicles The mom views popsicles as a creative way to make sure her children are getting all the extra benefits from breast milk, while getting a sweet treat at the same time 'If you have an oversupply like I do, it's fun to experiment with other ways to use [my breast milk],' Leah said People online have mostly supported Leah's creativity, but she explained that some have left mocking comments, such as leaving baby noises and immature jokes. 'I think that the comments are made by very immature people that have no idea what it is like to raise or have children,' she said. 'Breast milk is called liquid gold for a reason. It has so many benefits. If you have an oversupply like I do, it's fun to experiment with other ways to use it. 'My husband has tried it, he says the milk is sweet. 'And I have tried my breast milk, I was very curious about how it tasted. 'I have made many things with milk. 'Sometimes I put milk in smoothies for my toddler, and make purees for my baby when starting solids.' Leah said she had also tried making butter out of her milk, but had been unsuccessful. However has had more luck with soap. 'I also use it in milk baths if my children have diaper rash,' she added. A food waste expert has revealed her ultra-savvy hacks for reducing food waste while also saving cash - by putting absolutely everything in the freezer. Kate Hall, 38, from Orpington, Kent, will appear in a Channel 5 documentary on Wednesday called Fresh vs Frozen: Which is Better, where she will give her best tips on saving money and food waste. Kate is a introduced as a 'freezer expert trying to help everyone get more from their freezers', in the documentary and goes on to reveal she freezes everything, including crisps, to try and avoid food waste. The mother then revealed her freezer, which is jam-packed with ingredients that are each placed in labelled trays for different foods. Kate keeps over seven trays full of food in her freezer with stacks of fruit, vegetables, diary, and even leftover frozen crisps. Pictured: Kate Hall, 38, from Orpington, Kent, will appear in a new Channel 5 documentary on Wednesday 8 August called Fresh vs Frozen: Which is Better, where she will give her best tips on waving money and food waste 'This is my freezer filing cabinet of joy,' she admitted to the camera while beaming. 'So everything is organised into categories basically so that it's really easy to find,' she explained, revealing stacks of plastic bags containing different ingredients. 'It's basically set up as a filing cabinet within the drawers as well, so that I can pick out what I want when I want it. 'I can then grab a handful as and when I need it,' she said, revealing one package containing chopped spring onions. Kate shows the contents of one of her vegetable drawers which isn't short of variety, with chopped and clearly labelled vegetables including leeks, peppers, mushrooms, and sweet potato, neatly filed in the freezer tray. The freezer master doesn't just keep stocks of frozen veg, but anything and everything is on the frozen menu, including milk and cheeses. 'Grating any hard cheese that you've got leftover and then just them in cooking and just saves getting out the grater and having the wash-up. Feta, cheese slices, and milk is shown frozen vertically in thin plastic bags. Kate showed the inside of her fridge. She said: 'So everything is organised into categories basically so that it's really easy to find' Kate will even freeze milk, showing a thin package of frozen milk that she said will easily defrost. She said once defrosted, the milk will need to be shaken or blended to recombine the fats and water She explained: 'It doesn't take up so much space and I've frozen that so I can stick it in a dish of cold water. It'll defrost really quickly and the fats will separate from the water which is why it's gone a little bit yellow. 'Once it's thawed, it just needs a good shake, or a blitz together, it'll be absolutely fine as long as it doesn't smell bad.' Within her brimming freezer, Kate also has a number of ice cube trays, though they probably aren't anything like what most contain. Kate stocks her ice cube trays with single servings of pesto, houmous, tomato puree and even wine, in a bid to avoid throwing anything away. She also keeps stocks of herbs frozen in water, oil or butter. 'You don't need ice cubes in the freezer anyway, just freeze fruit, it's far better in drinks,' she insisted. And not everything in Kate's freezer is necessarily so perishable - Kate even stored crisps in the freezer, claiming to prefer the taste. 'I just pop them into a freezer bag. And it does need a proper one to protect them from the cold. 'These will not freeze solid because there's not really much water content in them so they can be eaten straight from the freezer and they're just refreshingly cold. 'I actually prefer them straight from the freezer!' she said. 'Our freezers are on all the time, they're eating electricity anyway,' she explained. 'They work more efficiently anyway, if we fill them so we want them to be about 75 per cent full with a little bit of space for the air to circulate,' she said. 'I'll be honest, when I first started doing this, it was all about finance for us as we were wasting a lot of food and money.' The documentary revealed that the average family of four throws up to 1000 worth of food in the bin each year. 'That stat doesn't actually take into account that when we throw food away, we then go back to the shop and we buy more,' she said smugly. The documentary also revealed that in the UK alone wastes 19 billion worth of food with bread and potatoes top of the list - a quantity of waste that could fill Wembley stadium nine times over. 'When we stop and think how far a banana, for example, has travelled; the land, the water, the energy, the transportation, the packaging, everything that has gone into that piece of food that we are letting go off and go into the bin, has an enormous impact on our planet.' Pictured: An expensive packet of crisps that have been frozen to avoid waste. Kate admitted she even preferred the taste of crisps directly from the freezer Pictured: A thin package of milk that has been frozen. Kate will even store ice cube trays full of leftover houmous, wine, and pesto Advising viewers on how to make the most of freezing certain items, she explained that a banana can be most optimally frozen but peeling and breaking down the middle into three segments Advising viewers on how to make the most of freezing certain items, she explained that a banana can be most optimally frozen but peeling and breaking down the middle into three segments. 'If you pop your finger into the end of a banana, it will separate into three different and then they are amazing covered in chocolate.' She previously said she'd been freezing entire meals which, when reheated, could only be used once. But now with a ready 'stash' of ingredients in the freezer, she's been able to limit her trips to the supermarket, as well as reuse frozen produce time and time again. Kate began sharing freezer and food waste tips in the Covid-19 pandemic as a means of showing people how to get the best out of food. When the lockdown began, she was initially placed on furlough before eventually being made redundant. She used the time to put an e-book together with her colleague about how to self-isolate with food. Kate keeps a 'freezer filing cabinet' jam packed full of vegetables, fruit, bread, and dairy She keeps bags filled with chopped vegetables and herbs so she can reach for a handful of anything at any time She explained that when she first started the business, she had no idea how bad food waste was for the planet, and quickly learned of its environmental impact. She said: 'I thought Id make a go of it and found that what I was sharing was really helpful for people.' 'More and more people were having these little moments that they could relate to and I made the decision to try and make it into a business.' 'In the last year or so I think people have looked at food in a very different way.' The expert says her food business is all about reassuring people and making them feel confident. She added: 'Every time I spoke to another person and found out how helpful it was to them, I realised I wanted to do this all day, every day.' 'Its about using your freezer in a safe way and its about how you look after food before and after that makes the difference.' Fresh vs Frozen: Which is Better 8 August at 8pm on Channel 5 A famous skydiver known for his daredevil content has announced the death of his 'partner in crime' wife after a shock accident. Devrey Jane LaRiccia-Chase, 28, was a professional skydiving instructor from California and a routine parachute jump took a devastating turn on August 2. Her husband Freddy Chase revealed what happened. 'Devrey went to work happy as ever. It was a beautiful day and she was a tandem instructor that day, on her last jump she took a student on a regular day to day skydive. 'There was no malfunction, there was no plane incident, she was turning her canopy on final to come land safely on the grass, like she has done hundreds of times. 'She noticed what we call in the industry 'dust devils' small little tornados that are dangerous in the sport. 'At about 40ft devrey avoided one of them, but caught a second one, with dust devils going over grass they become invisible because you can't see any dust in the direction there going.' He said that his wife was sent into 'an uncontrolled spin', hitting the ground with force. She was found alive but later died in hospital. Devrey Jane LaRiccia-Chase, 28, was a professional skydiving instructor from California Mr Chase also shared a tribute post to his wife. 'My soul, my love, my other half, my baby my ride or die, my everything, my wife... 'You were too perfect for this world and God just wanted to bring you home, you were an angel amongst us and just was called back to heaven. 'Having to say goodbye to you for now will forever be the hardest thing I will ever do in my life,' he continued. 'I love you so much my now and forever angel.' Famous skydiver Freddy Chase [right] announced the tragic passing of his wife Devrey LaRiccia [left] after a parachuting accident The LaRiccia family added: 'Devrey was a bright and adventurous spirit who lived her life to the fullest, always seeking new experiences and embracing each day with enthusiasm and joy.' 'Her passion for adventure led her to the exhilarating world of parachuting. She found immense joy in the freedom of the skies, cherishing each moment she spent soaring above the earth. 'Unfortunately, it was this very passion that led to the accident that claimed her life.' Ms LaRiccia-Chase received an outpouring of support from the community. 'Dev was truly something special. One of the sweetest, warmest, and most welcoming people I've ever met and I'm so glad I got to know her,' a friend said online. 'Devrey was such a character, always had a good attitude towards everything and everyone. She will be greatly missed by all of us,' another added. 'The most perfect angel, she was and will forever be an inspiration to me,' a third wrote. An Aussie man has revealed the cost of living crisis has inspired a new life goal: moving to Southeast Asia for good. The 30-year-old claimed the move is a no-brainer as it's a 'tropical paradise' with 'warm weather, vibrant night-life, cheap rent, cheap food and friendly people' - a stark difference from 'fighting to survive' in Australia. He makes $80,000 a year, has $50,000 in his bank account, and spends a whopping $665 a week on Uber Eats - but has no other assets, no partner or children, and no inheritance coming in anytime soon. 'Anyone else feel like giving up on Australia and moving to Southeast Asia?' he asked on Reddit. 'I mean what am I going to do? Spend another one to two years saving up a 20 per cent deposit on the cheapest, smallest one-bedroom unit in a high crime rate suburb, just so I can be trapped in a job I hate for 30 years paying it off? 'Does anyone else just feel like giving up on Australia?' Despite receiving backlash from hundreds about his 'privileged' life - several other Australian families have moved away for similar reasons and never looked back. Tom Wedding was sick and tired of feeling 'poor' while living paycheck to paycheck in Australia - so he packed up his life and moved to Asia. Every two months he needs to leave the country to reapply for the $60 Visa - but tends to travel somewhere he hasn't been before. So far he's visited Japan , Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam then uses Bali and Thailand as a 'home base' Tom also met his now-girlfriend while living in Asia (pictured together) The 24-year-old sold his belongings at the start of 2023 and worked remotely from his laptop while travelling overseas. Tom, who splits his time between Bali and Thailand, previously told FEMAIL he couldn't afford to have a night out with friends in Australia, rarely dined at restaurants, and felt restricted by his finances. He now invests and saves 60 per cent of the $6,500 he earns every month while working in tropical paradises. 'I missed out on a lot in Australia and felt like it was controlling my life. Everything adds up so quickly when you go out,' he said. 'Now I'm very spontaneous - if I want to go somewhere I'll just book it. It's also nice working remotely as it gives me the freedom to do that.' Another father-of-two also explained why moving overseas with his family due to the cost of living has now 'ruined' Australia for him. Jimmy Mitchell, 36, and wife Pauline, 35, gave up the 'stereotypical lifestyle' in Western Australia and have been travelling around Southeast Asia for the past 12 months with their sons Riley, seven, and Liam, eight. Jimmy previously told FEMAIL he was working endlessly to make a decent amount of money but felt like he was 'never getting ahead' and would at times arrive home in tears. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES IN COST? Australia: Rent: $1840 per month plus bills Groceries: $200-300 per week Takeout: $100 for the family Movies: $100+ for the family Car: registration and insurance costs plus fuel Dentist: $100+ Hospital bill and x-ray: hundreds of dollars Asia: Rent: Often changes but maximum $1500 per month in Vietnam including bills Groceries: $70 per week Takeout: $40 for the family Movies: $12-$30 for the family No car expenses Dentist: $20 Hospital bill and x-ray: $50 Advertisement At the time the couple were renting a four bedroom house in Mandurah, an hour south of Perth, and struggled saving for a house deposit despite working long hours. 'The core reason why we decided to travel full-time was to improve our quality of life and spend more time together as a family,' Jimmy said. They're also now saving as much as 50 per cent of their income in a good month instead of zero to five per cent. The pair haven't looked back since taking the leap and aren't sure when - or if - they will return to Australia permanently. 'In Australia we earned good money - this is the thing I couldn't get my head around. We had good jobs but we always felt like we weren't getting ahead,' Jimmy said. 'The more I worked and the harder I worked to earn the money so we could have the stuff, the less time I got to spend with my family.' The stress felt like such a massive burden that sometimes Jimmy would come home from work crying, and it was only getting 'progressively worse'. 'I'd come home and say to Pauline, 'I can't keep living like this anymore'. And that was a combination of the fact that we were both working in the business, the kids were at school and we had barely seen each other,' he said. 'We've been back [in Australia] for three weeks now, we're supposed to be here for two months but we may even leave earlier now,' Jimmy said However, many Australians on Reddit revealed that simply packing up and moving was no easy feat. 'It's only cheap with you have western money to spend. I recommend you move to Southeast Asia and experience living there on a local wage - it'll give you a new appreciation for Australian living standards,' one said. 'My friends back home work 70+ hours a week in hospitals and 'high paying' office jobs and make less than $2,000 a month. Going home at 5pm and getting Saturdays off is a luxury, not the norm,' a former SEA native said. Another shared their experience spending over a year in Thailand. 'The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence,' the traveller said. 'I just returned from 15 months in Thailand, teaching English. The reality is no tropical paradise at all. 'I reckon the vast majority of farang there teach English. Other options are very limited. The job is not rewarding, pay will hardly cover your bills. You will always be classed as an outsider. 'The lifestyle is third world in so many ways. This is the grim reality. The real problem is you can't find satisfaction with what you have here. That dissatisfaction will follow you everywhere. Come to terms with that, and your problem is solved.' A woman in a wealthy Australian suburb sparked a heated debate about going 'cashless' after a major change to the area's parking stations. The resident discovered recently updated parking meters in North Sydney exclusively accept digital payments. 'New parking meters in North Sydney appear NOT to take cash. As such if we are to park in the North Sydney area we need our mobile phone as they do not appear to take cards either,' the furious woman wrote online. 'I was under the impression that cash was still a currency in Australia and as North Sydney is a part of Australia, cash should be accepted. 'It is my belief that this move is illegal and these meters should be removed immediately. Another issue is that they are difficult to identify - they look more like ash trays than parking meters.' The change is not illegal as a legitimate form of payment is still accepted. Australians have re-ignited the debate in recent months after a teenager revealed she had 'no idea' what to do with $5 notes and a study revealed people spend more when they use cashless methods of payment. North Sydney Council decided to go cashless because only one in 26 visitors used cash. The North Sydney Council decided to go cashless because only one in 26 visitors used cash A statement from the council read: 'Over the past year, the number of people paying with coins for parking has lowered to less than 4 per cent. 'In addition, malfunctions in our existing parking meters occur primarily due to coin-box vandalism and jams. The removal of coin payments ensures our parking meters' reliability long-term as it decreases these ongoing maintenance costs.' Many North Sydney locals criticised the woman's ire. 'This system allows you to pay as you park and you can control the time from your phone - it eliminates parking fines where you are frantically running to get back to your car because you didn't put enough 50c coins in,' one argued. 'You're mad that you have to have your mobile phone on you to pay for parking but you took a photo of this parking meter with your mobile phone,' another pointed out. But others saw the issue with requiring mobile phones to pay for parking. 'Looks like smart phones are now also mandatory to drive a car and use a meter. What if you duck out without your phone? I'm personally okay with not accepting cash, but at least make it tap and go,' a woman said. 'Having to download an app to use a parking meter is a bit ridiculous,' another added. 'Older folks might not have smart phones or know how to scan a QR code.' A hidden beach on Western Australia's south coast has been described as the best in the world by travellers. Little Beach which is set in the rugged beauty of the Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve near Albany has remained a local secret, until now. The swimming spot has been described as the best way to escape the gloom of winter and marked as a must for every beach lover's bucket list. The protected beach with turquoise, crystal clear water has bright white sand dotted with giant black boulders. It's reached after a short walk from the carpark located at the end of a long, winding road which connects the spot to Albany, 40 minutes away. A nearby fresh waterfall flows into the ocean impressing visitors further with many hailing it as 'the most beautiful beach I've ever seen'. Samantha, a British expat living in Australia who goes by _thetravelher online, shared a video of the remote WA beach that has been liked 1.2million times on TikTok - and others agree that it looks too good to be true. 'Beach looks like a painting, water was stunning,' one visitor said. 'I'd rate it 168 out of 100,' another agreed. Little Beach is a 40 minute drive the WA town of Albany Iconic giant boulders lie across pristine white sands next to water so blue it's 'unbelievable' - visitors to the beach the rocks are harder to climb than they look The clear water of Little Beach fades from a gentle turquoise to deep blue Little Beach and nearby Waterfall Beach are both secluded and accessible after a drive and short walk Fans of the 'hidden gem' loved how unspoiled and tucked away from the rest of the world it felt. 'What I love about beaches like this is how lacking in development they are, no cafes or houses around to ruin the feel of being out of the way and private,' one visitor said. Travellers to the beach advised others to bring packed lunches and drinks so they could spend a few blissful hours enjoying the water and the surrounds. Waterfall Beach is located on the other side of Little Beach - a short walk and a few steps away, and is equally beautiful according to those lucky enough to visit. 'Absolutely stunning secluded cove,' one woman said. 'Harder to reach than Little Beach which makes it way more charming,' another chimed in. Others said that Waterfall Beach was slightly more sheltered than Little Beach and that the calmer water made it especially suitable for swimming with kids. The nearby port city of Albany also offers 'wonderful' scenic hiking such as The Bald Head Walk Trail. The 12.5km trek curves along the narrow ridge of the Flinders Peninsula and is recommended for experienced bushwalkers. Nearby Torrindup National park features other stunning natural attractions such as The Blowholes and The Gap. The Gap is a viewing platform precariously perched 40m above sea level. It offers visitors who aren't afraid of heights a thrilling vista of crashing waves over a rocky coastline. Travellers to the the pristine beach destination dream of their of their return. 'I'm definitely coming back', one woman said. An unexpected health hazard is presenting problems for some of this year's Olympic hopefuls. Two triathletes, representing Belgium and Switzerland, have fallen ill after swimming in the contaminated waters of Paris' river Seine with one hospitalised with the life-threatening bacterial infection, E. coli. Experts say that the bug has proliferated in the river due to an extended period of heavy rain, although health chiefs have always advised against swimming in it. The spate of sickness has sparked fears that Brits could also fall victim to the infection while enjoying a summer dip in many of the country's lakes, rivers and seas. Previous research has found worryingly high levels of E.coli in many of the UK's waters including the River Thames and The River Tone in Somerset. Michel has been infected with E.coli bacteria, believed to be from swimming in the Seine It is thought that Brits could be at especially high risk of contracting the bug which leads to at least 120 hospitalisations every year this summer, due to unusually high levels of rainfall. Large amounts of rain water can cause an increase in the presence of the bacteria because of the UK's water laws. Water companies are permitted to spill sewage into open waters following heavy rainfall to prevent the system becoming overloaded. But these spills are happening too often, according to campaigners. The number of times sewage has been released into England's waters has jumped 24-fold since 2016, according to official figures. E.coli which can which can also been found in meat, other food products and faeces usually causes a fever, sickness and diarrhoea. The Belgian relay team has forfeited the mixed triathlon, with Claire Michel in hospital In the majority of cases, symptoms fade naturally within days. However, for vulnerable populations, the infection can get into the blood and travel to the organs, causing catastrophic damage. A handful of Brits die from complications of an E.coli infection every year. 'Swimming in any body of water thats been contaminated with faeces comes with a risk of being infected with E. coli, and all sorts of other pathogens,' Dr Simon Clarke, a microbiologist from the University of Reading told MailOnline. Those in North-Central areas of the country and people in the South West may be more likely to be exposed than others. Data analyses carried out earlier this year by MailOnline revealed the UK waterways that have been subjected to the highest number of sewage spills. Among them were rivers and lakes served by Yorkshire Water, South West Water and United Utilities in the North West. But experts say you are also at risk of catching the bug in waters that are close to livestock. 'We often assume that this can only happen when our water companies dump sewage into rivers and the sea, but waste from farm animals that washes into rivers and lakes can also be a problem,' Dr Clarke added. Symptoms of Shiga toxin-producing E.coli include severe diarrhoea and vomiting, according to the UK Health Security Agency STEC can also be spread by touching infected animals or their faeces directly as well as coming into contact with direct with people who are sick, when looking after them for example Experts have long been concerned a shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC), a rare strain of the diarrhoea-causing bug. Symptoms of infection vary from stomach cramps and vomiting to bloody diarrhoea, UKHSA says, with around half of people infected experiencing the latter. However, it is often difficult to spot because the same symptoms can be caused by a variety of bugs, including norovirus. STEC is considered to be extremely infectious, and in up to 15 per cent of cases, the bug can cause haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening condition that can lead to kidney failure, which mainly affects children. A small proportion of adults may develop a similar condition called thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura (TTP), which is a rare, life-threatening blood disorder. STEC can also be spread by touching infected animals or their faeces directly as well as coming into direct contact with people who are sick, when looking after them for example. It can also be spread through contaminated water, either via drinking tainted supplies it or accidently ingesting it while swimming. This risk can be reduced by boiling any drinking water suspected of being unsafe, not swimming in water that could be contaminated by cattle and sheep in nearby field. But it's not just E.coli you need to watch out for, Dr Clarke explains sewage water can also contain lots of other 'nasty things' such as 'tapeworms and hepatitis'. Feeling sick, having diarrhoea or a stomach ache for longer than two weeks, losing weight for no reason and noticing an itchy rash on your skin are all signs of roundworm, hookworm or tapeworm and you should visit your GP for treatment. You may have hepatitis if you experience muscle pain, a high temperature, tummy pain, itchy skin and a loss of appetite. Great Britain claimed a third triathlon medal in Paris with bronze in the mixed relay on Monday Jolien Vermeylen, who is also part of the Belgium team, complained about the water quality Switzerland made a change to their line-up after Adrien Briffod also fell ill, with Simon Westermann taking his place in the race Professor Paul Hunter, a renowned infectious diseases expert from the University of East Anglia, who has previously served on a World Health Organisation expert advisory group on recreational water quality, told MailOnline the E.coli in the Seine 'won't make you sick'. He added: 'The E. coli that is being reported in the Seine isn't a huge cause for concern in itself. 'Each one of us carry billions of E. coli in our gut which we pass into the environment whenever we pass faeces. 'We monitor water used for recreational puposes for E. coli not because these organisms are dangerous to us but because if we find them in sufficient numbers it means that there is faecal pollution in the water. 'If there is faecal pollution present other germs may be present that could then make us sick, such as Norovirus or Campylobacter. 'There is an exception to this and that is some E. coli known as STEC that can make you sick, but by and large this isnt detected by the tests we use for E. coli testing in recreational waters.' He adds that's because they are usually present in such small numbers that it is difficult to detect them even when they are present. 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. Heavy rain hit Paris on Wednesday and Thursday, causing levels of bacteria in the water to rise. Prior to the men's and women's events taking place on Wednesday, athletes had been unable to train in the river because the water quality had not passed the required tests. Britain's athletes are all understood to have avoided any ill effects from swimming in the water, but all nations have faced disruption to their preparations. According to World Triathlon Federation standards, E. coli levels beyond 900 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters are considered unsafe. Efforts to clean the water included the creation of a giant basin to capture rainwater while preventing wastewater from finding its way into the river. Sewer infrastructure was also renovated and wastewater treatment plants were upgraded. However, organisers knew heavy rain in the days before a competition could still cause the levels of the harmful bacteria E. Coli to rise. Swimming in the Seine, which dissects the city, has been banned since 1923. An obese man was left in excruciating pain and forced to attend A&E after a slimming jab left him suffering an overactive thyroid. The 62-year-old, who also had type 1 diabetes, lost more than 5.6 stone (36kg) in under six months on tirzepatide sold under the brand name Mounjaro. But after rushing to hospital with sudden palpitations, a fever and even hand tremors, scans showed he had developed an irregular heartbeat, atrial fibrillation, dubbed a 'silent killer'. Medics also discovered he had thyrotoxicosis a condition in which the thyroid gland, responsible for metabolism and heart rate malfunctions, with potentially life-threatening consequences. Sharing his case in a medical journal as a warning, doctors today called for slimmers using the jabs to be monitored more closely to prevent 'adverse events'. The 62-year-old, who also had type 1 diabetes , lost more than 5.6 stone (36kg) in under six months on tirzepatide sold under the brand name Mounjaro. But after rushing to hospital with sudden palpitations, a fever and even hand tremors, scans showed he had developed atrial fibrillation, dubbed a 'silent killer' According to the latest data digestive problems were the most commonly reported side effects of tirzepatide, the active ingredient of Mounjaro. These included about one in five participants suffering from nausea and diarrhoea, and about one in 10 reporting vomiting or diarrhoea Mounjaro has already been rubber-stamped by US health chiefs for weight loss, hailed as a gamechanger in the fight against obesity, which costs billions in healthcare costs. In February it was also made available privately in Britain, with clinics charging around 40 for a week's supply. Studies have found the drug, made by US pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, could help obese people lose more than 20 per cent of their body weight in under a year and a half. But like all drugs, Mounjaro is not without side-effects. The European Medicines Agency said this year that research on rodents has suggested the artificial hormones packaged in tirzepatide could raise the risk of medullary thyroid cancer. HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR BODY MASS INDEX - AND WHAT IT MEANS Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on your weight in relation to your height. Standard Formula: BMI = (weight in pounds / (height in inches x height in inches)) x 703 Metric Formula: BMI = (weight in kilograms / (height in meters x height in meters)) Measurements: Under 18.5: Underweight Underweight 18.5 - 24.9: Healthy Healthy 25 - 29.9: Overweight Overweight 30 - 39.9: Obese Obese 40+ : Morbidly obese Advertisement Writing in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers at the University of Colorado, said the unidentified male patient, who had a BMI of 31.2, presented to the emergency department with palpitations, excessive sweating, confusion, fever, and hand tremors. He had been prescribed tirzepatide six months earlier, initially on a 2.5mg weekly dose and also took levothyroxine, to help control his diabetes. 'The physician suggested increasing the tirzepatide dose every four weeks as tolerated and following up in a month,' they noted. The man, however, missed his follow-up appointment but despite this still upped his dose, eventually taking 10mg weekly. Medics said atrial fibrillation was triggered by thyrotoxicosis following 'rapid weight loss from tirzepatide'. They added: 'We recommend evaluating patients using tirzepatide closely (every four to six weeks initially) for assessment of therapy response, adverse events, and possible dose adjustment of other concomitant medications. Tirzepatide is part of a class of drug known as a GLP-1 receptor agonist: these treatments trick the brain into thinking it's full, consequently slashing appetite. Huge global demand and shortages, however, has also seen counterfeit versions flood the market. Pharmacists yesterday warned of an 'explosion' in fake weight-loss jabs fuelled by a dearth of Ozempic, which contains semaglutide. Your browser does not support iframes. Wegovy and Ozempic work by triggering the body to produce a hormone called GLP-1 that is released naturally from the intestines after meals Experts say the shortages are expected into next year, fuelling the illicit trade online. Health officials have already seized more than 800 potentially fake weight loss pens across the UK since the start of 2023. Counterfeit jabs have in the past been found to have insulin, a drug used by diabetics, in them. Insulin works by rapidly lowering blood sugar, but if sugars are not raised to begin with, doing so can have severe and potentially fatal consequences. Semaglutide has been available on the NHS since 2019, and in the US since 2017, for type 2 diabetics to manage blood sugar levels. But its manufacturer Novo Nordisk is also probing whether semaglutide could raise the risk of medullary thyroid cancer and pancreatic cancer. No evidence yet, however, proves they are definitely side effects even in extremely rare cases. All Brits are urged to report any medicines side effects they notice to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency's (MHRA) Yellow Card Scheme. Ministers in Britain plan to dole these drugs to millions of overweight Brits to fight the obesity crisis. Children could eventually be given the jabs, too. Latest NHS data shows 26 per cent of adults in England are obese and a further 38 per cent are overweight but not obese. In the US an estimated 41.9 per cent of adult population are obese. Could a virus behind a devastating 'goat plague' in Greece infect feta cheese supplies and jump to humans? Concerns surround a rapidly spreading outbreak of the deadly infection, with an estimated 14,000 affected animals already culled in the holiday hotspot. 'Goat plague', technically called peste des petits ruminants (PPR), can kill between a third to 100 per cent of herds it infects, with symptoms starting about three weeks after initial infection. It is known to spread through infected tears, mucus and tiny droplets when animals cough. The outbreak, the second of its kind ever recorded in the EU, has prompted Greek farmers to calm fears about how the supply of feta cheese could be affected. Greek farmers have denied that production of the nation's famous feta cheese will be affected by the outbreak But what do scientists and officials say about the potential impact on human health? Greek farmers battling the outbreak have themselves denied production of feta cheese will be affected by the outbreak. Christos Tsopanos, a senior figure at the Association of Greek Livestock (SEK), has insisted the plague 'wont endanger feta exports' with producers planning to roll out 120,000 tonnes of the cheese this year. 'Our country has 14 million goats and sheep, more than any other (EU) state,' the Guardian reported. 'We have enough milk. Authorities have moved fast to deal with this situation.' Experts have told MailOnline that PPR is a similar virus to that which causes measles in humans. 'Goat plague', technically called peste des petits ruminants (PPR), can kill between a third to 100 per cent of herds it infects, with symptoms starting about three weeks after initial infection However, it is 'extremely unlikely' that the disease will infect people, says Professor Paul Hunter, an expert in infectious diseases from the University of East Anglia. 'The virus has been around for over a century mainly present in Africa, the Middle East and Indian subcontinent,' he says. 'It probably evolved around 100 years ago in West Africa,' he said. 'Given the fact that the disease has been around so long and in environments where people and host animals have fairly close contact, I think it very unlikely to pose a risk to humans.' PPR was first reported in Greece last month on July 11 in a small herd of 250-plus goats and sheep at a farm in the Thessaly region towards the north of the country. More cases have since been identified leading to an estimated 14,000 animals now being culled. Under EU rules an entire flock must be culled if a PPR case is detected at a farm with strict disinfection protocols to then be enacted at the premises. Greek officials have suspended all slaughter and transport of goats and sheep during the outbreak, raising fears of a meat shortage in the country if the disease is not brought under control soon. Dimitris Moskos, vice-president of the Association of Greek Livestock, said: 'Consumers must understand that only animals are affected by this disease.' He added farmers now believe PPR was brought to Greece from animals imported from Romania, which is experiencing its own, more widespread outbreak, with an excess of 200,000 animals having been culled. However, Greek government officials have insisted epidemiological investigations are still underway. This map, from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs shows where PPR has been reported around the European region, red dots with a black spot show outbreaks recorded this so far year whereas sold red dots show previous incidents PPR was first discovered in Cote d'Ivoire, on the West African coast in 1942, with cases and outbreaks having been spotted around the world since. Symptoms in goats and sheep include fever, discharge from the eyes and nose that can make seeing and breathing difficult, bad smelling breath and diarrhoea. Almost all animals that display PPR symptoms will die of the infection. While the disease can infect other animals like pigs and cattle it doesn't cause any symptoms and no cases have ever been recorded in people. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates PPR causes 1.6billion in terms of economic damage to livestock each year. An assessment on the Greek outbreak produced by the UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said the risk of PPR reaching the UK was currently 'negligible'. They noted that imports of live animals from Greece are currently forbidden due to a prior ban on the movement of animals after a separate disease, called goat pox, was found in the country in October last year. However, DEFRA officials noted that cheese and milk was still being imported from Greece, a fraction of which was unpasteurised, meaning they haven't been heat-treated to kill potential pathogens. Greek officials have suspended all slaughter and transport of goats and sheep during the outbreak, raising fears of a meat shortage in the country if the disease is not brought under control soon 'There has been 3,818 tonnes of milk and dairy products imported from Greece between 1 May and 12 July 2024,' the assessment reads. 'Of these, 98.4 per cent were pasteurised and 1.6 per cent were unpasteurised cheese.' But they added the risk of PPR entering the country via this route was considered due to the length of time involved in getting such products to British markets. 'It is suggested that PPR has low survival rates in meat and raw milk products, and it is expected that the maturation time of cheeses and duration of transit to the UK is likely to be longer than virus survival time in these products,' they said. However, they acknowledged a general 'lack of evidence' on PPR survival in these products generally. DEFRA officials concluded: 'We will continue to monitor the situation, as this is an important exotic disease which will be a concern for the EU in terms of its ability to spread and the impact on livestock.' The last EU outbreak of PPR was recorded in 2018 in Bulgaria. Outbreaks of PPR have also been reported in 2024 year in Turkey and in Gregoria. A man in his 70s ended up with more than he bargained for after a dose of an impotency medication left him coughing up blood for three days. Medics who documented the case said there have only been six other reported incidents of this type of reaction in patients taking sildenafil, most commonly known by the brand Viagra. The man, who wasn't named in the medical case report, started coughing up blood shortly after taking sildenafil which is used by millions of British men. Over the next three, the report states that he hacked up an estimated 50ml of blood, equivalent to just over a shot glass's worth. Seeking help from doctors he told medics that he had suffered a similar episode two weeks prior, again after taking the little blue pill. Medics who documented the case said there have only been six other reported incidents of this type of reaction in patients taking sildenafil, most commonly known by the brand Viagra Doctors undertook a thorough examination of the man, including inspecting his throat and nasal passages, and a CT scan of his chest and found no underlying condition that could have caused the bleeding. This, and the fact the man's symptoms stopped after he ceased taking sildenafil led them to conclude the impotency drug was the most likely culprit. 'The precise timing of the episodes aligning with the intake and cessation of sildenafil, along with no abnormal laboratory results or treatment modifications, suggests a potential association between sildenafil intake and the episodes,' they wrote. 'Notably, no further episodes have occurred since the discontinuation of sildenafil.' The patient reportedly suffered no more episodes of haemoptysis, the medical term for coughing up blood, after a year of follow-up. Medics, who detailed the patient's experience in the British Medical Journal, said there have only been six other cases of sildenafil-related haemoptysis recorded in medical literature. Considering the drug is taken by millions of patients worldwide every year, this makes it an incredibly rare and poorly understood reaction. The authors of the case noted there were factors in their patient's medical history that could explain why the rare reaction occurred. He was suffering from both kidney problemsand was taking another drug called rivaroxaban, an anticoagulant that thins the blood. These factors could have combined with sildenafil, which works by temporarily increasing blood flow to the penis, to cause bleeding, they said, though they added this was just a theory. 'Decreased renal function may affect the metabolism of sildenafil and rivaroxaban, which may explain the haemoptysis due to their increased effects of vasodilation [dilation of blood vessels] and anticoagulation, respectively,' they said. They concluded that their case study demonstrated the need for monitoring of patients taking sildenafil whilst living with serious health conditions and taking other medications. The authors added: 'Further studies are needed to clarify the precise mechanism that causes sildenafil-induced haemoptysis.' Where exactly the patient was treated wasn't detailed in the case report. A total of 4.57million prescriptions for sildenafil, more commonly known by the brand name Viagra, and other types of impotency drugs sold under the brand names Cialis and Levitra, were dished out by the health service in 2023 It comes as data suggests millions of British men are now taking the libido boosting drug. A total of 3million prescriptions of sildenafil for erectile dysfunction were dished out by the NHS in 2023 alone. This doesn't account for many other Brits buying it over the counter privately from high street or online pharmacies, with some options costing mere pennies per pill. Separate data, released earlier this year, suggests use of sildenafil varies across the country. That data suggested men in Yorkshire were the most likely in England to need assistance in the bedroom with 3.5 per cent of men in the East Riding being prescribed sildenafil last year. This was followed by men in Northumberland and Dorset who each came second and third for prescription rates of the erectile dysfunction drug at around 3.2 per cent each. The Yorkshire region appeared to be particularly hard-hit by impotency with its cities and towns Rotherham, Barnsley, Harrogate, Scarborough and Whitby, featuring in the top 10 areas for Viagra prescriptions. On the opposite end of the spectrum, men in Leicester City appeared to be the least likely to need help from the little blue pill to maintain an erection, with a prescription rate of only 1.6 per cent. While the vast majority of people taking sildenafil will experience no problems, an estimated one in 100 patients will suffer common side effects from taking the medication. These include headaches, nausea, hot flushes, indigestion, a stuffy nose and dizziness, according to the NHS. More serious side effects requiring urgent medical care are estimated to affect less than one in 1,000 people. This map shows the areas where people were most and least likely to be prescribed sildenafil the key ingredient in the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra on the NHS Your browser does not support iframes. These include seizures, suffering a prolonged and potentially painful erection especially for over two hours, chest pain, and in very rare cases a life-threatening allergic reaction to the medication called anaphylaxis. Earlier this year MailOnline revealed that popular erection pills such as Viagra have been linked to more than 200 deaths in Britain. None of the fatalities all of which have occurred since 1998 are proven to have been caused directly by the drugs. Erectile dysfunction, also called impotency, is thought to effect about half of men over 40. While most cases of erectile dysfunction are isolated and nothing to worry about, repeated or sustained impotency should be checked out by a GP. Erectile dysfunction, also called impotency, is thought to effect about half of men over 40. While most cases of erectile dysfunction are isolated and nothing to worry about, repeated or sustained impotency should be checked out by a GP. It can be an indicator of serious health problems like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, diabetes, hormone problems and mental issues like depression and anxiety. However, not all men are advised to take drugs like sildenafil, for example those with heart problems are warned against taking it. A new once-a-month jab could be a game-changing treatment for chronic joint pain caused by osteoarthritis, which affects 10 million people in the UK. Results from a trial involving 510 patients with arthritis in the knee show those given the jab experienced a 50 per cent drop in pain levels after four months. They also had none of the side-effects linked to drugs such as ibuprofen and opioids, according to the results to be reported today but published exclusively in advance in Good Health. The first-of-a-kind drug currently called LEVI-04 works by blocking a compound that supports the nerve cells involved in transmitting pain signals to the brain. Researchers say the drug may also be effective for a wide range of other conditions, from back pain to frozen shoulder and some cancer pain, as well as all joints affected by osteoarthritis. 10 million people in the UK are affected by osteoarthritis, which causes chronic joint pain Osteoarthritis or wear and tear arthritis occurs when the protective cartilage on the end of bones breaks down over time, causing pain, swelling and problems moving the joint as bone rubs against bone. The knee is the joint most likely to be affected, accounting for just over half of all cases of the condition. Current treatments are aimed at reducing symptoms. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, relieve pain and reduce inflammation but carry the risk of stomach ulcers, for instance. More heavyweight drugs, such as opioids, carry the risk of addiction. The new treatment, which has been developed by UK-based biotechnology firm Levicept, is the first of a new class of drugs known as neurotrophin receptor fusion proteins. These target compounds called neurotrophins, including nerve growth factor (NGF). The jab will not cure the condition but instead seeks to relieve pain symptoms. With those involved in the trial reporting pain scores that were at least 50 per cent lower The compounds control the growth and maintenance of nerve cells involved in the transmission of pain. Levels of neurotrophins increase when there is tissue damage and inflammation, as occurs in osteoarthritis. The new drug works by blocking the activity of NGF and other neurotrophins. Importantly, it does not completely inactivate them because they have other functions, including the repair of tissue such as cartilage and bone. For the trial, the 510 patients were given monthly infusions, with their self-reported pain levels recorded. X-rays and MRI were used to assess their joints. Results showed pain scores were at least 50 per cent lower for each of the three different doses of the drug used in the trial. There are hopes the drug could delay the need for joint replacement operations according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 100,000 knee replacement procedures are performed in the UK each year. 'I can't quite believe how good the results are it has the potential to be a gamechanger in the treatment of chronic pain,' Philip Conaghan, a professor of musculoskeletal medicine at the University of Leeds, who led the international trial, told Good Health. Larger trials are now planned and, if all goes well, the treatment could be available within three to four years. Commenting on the research, Mike McNicholas, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Liverpool University Hospitals, said: 'Osteoarthritis is currently the most common disease without a cure. These trial results are interesting and encouraging.' He added: 'The treatment is for symptom relief rather than curative. But it is good to see that the team are introducing this novel technology in a responsible manner, and hopefully the larger trials will be reassuring of the absence of any unexpected complications.' 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Three volunteers with PTSD said they felt more depressed weeks into the trial and for weeks after it ended, an effect of taking the psychoactive drug, also known as molly. Lykos Therapeutics, the company masterminding the push to legalize MDMA for post-traumatic stress disorder, is accused of bias in reporting trial results to show a positive effect on people's PTSD symptoms, pressuring people to report positive effects, and ignoring those who said their symptoms got worse. The ongoing trials have been plagued with allegations of sexual misconduct and of doctors overseeing the study of holding underground MDMA sessions not sanctioned by the trial using the drugs illegally. Patients take a dose of the drug while under supervision. Sessions with a therapist then help people to come to terms with their trauma MDMA raises levels of three feel-good neurotransmitters in the brain - serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. When a person 'comes down' from the high from the drug, those neurotransmitter levels plummet, leaving a person depressed and anxious Accounts of people's negative experiences on the drug in a therapeutic setting comes amid FDA deliberation about whether to approve a version of the drug to treat PTSD. The agency's panel of independent drug reviewers voted overwhelmingly in June against approving it,alleging that Lykos Therapeutics, the company behind this particular formulation, suppressed data researchers didn't want to highlight as well as study misconduct, including sexual assault. They also noticed that blinding was difficult, given that people who took the drug as well as the therapists overseeing their experience could tell they were on it, while placebo recipients could tell they were not. Despite the panel's recommendation against it's approval, the FDA doesn't necessarily have to tow that same line, and will make a decision before August 11. The decision will indicate whether the stories of trial participants and their mental health woes are compelling enough to merit concern. One of the subjects, Sarah McNamee of Montreal, told the Wall Street Journal that she felt pressure to report positive outcomes. She said: I wanted the miracle cure. My therapists made it really clear that they really really believed in this thing. It made me feel like I belonged to something bigger than me, and it also made me feel like I had a serious responsibility to make sure that other people could get access. The therapy had made her feel as though she had been cracked open. The trials design meant focusing on one traumatic event in her life to be made better, but she has been stricken by several traumatic events. While she fared better dealing with one of those events, the drug trial brought out painful memories from others. In written public comment to the FDA, Ms McNamee said that she went along with certain suspect things that trial therapists did, because she trusted that they would conduct research that passed scientific muster. They also implied that her participation in the trial, specifically if she responded well to it, would bring about a 'paradigm shifting treatment'. She said that therapists encouraged her to view her worsening PTSD symptoms 'as evidence of healing and spiritual awakening; seeding mistrust in mainstream psychiatry; talking to me about past life traumas; encouraging and, one time, pressuring me to cuddle with them.' She added that when she tried to tell therapists in the trial that she seemed to be fairing very poorly, one of them said that she would be 'feeling better in six months time.' When I tried to tell my therapists about my emerging and worsening mental health symptoms at the end of the trial, one of them responded that he predicted that I would be feeling better in six months time.' Two other study subjects said they had more frequent suicidal thoughts after trial stopped. At that point, researchers were no longer taking patient information and therefore did not take into account that those patients were having an extremely negative reaction to the drug. One subject declined to join a longer-term trial because of the severe blow the drug had taken on her mental health, while the other who did participate in the longer trial said she didnt report that she had become more suicidal after the initial trial had ended. They cited bias within the trials design, noting that all of the doctors overseeing the treatments were fervent believers in the drugs ability to change lives and convinced participants of that too. People familiar with the trials also said the investigators offered people MDMA for underground, non-sanctioned sessions even while they were involved in the clinical trials. Lykos, though, admits their investigators pass serious muster to be involved in the trials. At the same time, the company had to acknowledge that some of its therapists had committed malpractice after a study subject reported that both her male and female therapists held her closely while lying together on a bed. Dr David Rind, chief medical officer for the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review, a nonprofit that reviews drugs and their prices, said: You want to make sure that the therapists are very, very clear that they should not be implying to people that its globally important what the results of the trial are and encouraging people to have favorable outcomes. Ms McNamee was at first a staunch believer in the power of psychedelics for people like her and those with major depression. But she told NPR: Three months after I was given my first dose of MDMA, I was for a time one of the staunchest advocates for MDMA therapy. The problem is that I was also suicidal and clinically decompensating in drastic and unprecedented ways. Advocates of MDMA for PTSD are pushing hard for its approval. One of the most outspoken proponents of MDMA is three-star retired Marine Corps helicopter pilot Jack Bergman, who is running for his fourth term as representative of a northern Michigan district in Congress. A Republican, he is now pushing hard alongside fellow vets and members of Congress to push for FDA approval. He is joined by the likes of fellow lawmakers, both Republican and Democrat, as well as tech titan Elon Musk. Bergman said: Every day that goes by that research isnt being done, thats more lives being lost, primarily to suicide. A lot of those veterans are on a dark path, and mimed putting a gun to his head. The strategy here is to put pressure in a positive way so that the bureaucracy feels its OK to assume some risk. In addition to voting nine-two on whether Lykos evidence was strong enough to support the treatments efficacy, the committee voted 10-1 to say that the drug's downsides outweighed its benefits. Some of the risks they cited included potential effects on heart health, its potential for abuse, and the fact that Lykos appeared to have omitted important safety results, with one saying, 'There are significant holes in the data.' MDMA provides an immediate enjoyable feeling by stimulating the release of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, in the brain. Its a combination of psychedelic and stimulant and often causes a burst in energy as well as hallucinations. Like many addictive drugs, MDMA causes a sense of euphoria, but is most often associated with its social effects, causing someone to feel friendlier and closer to other people, and more loving. Its most common at music festivals and raves. Research from 2014 shows that MDMA reduced peoples ability to detect anger in others faces but didnt affect their ability to identify happy faces, suggesting that the drugs prosocial behavioral effects might be partially explained by a decreased capacity to perceive negative emotional states in others. But its not without its major downsides, which include suicidal ideations and tendencies. Taking drugs alters a persons brain chemistry. It can lead to anxiety, greater depression, and panic attacks, as well as nausea, diarrhea, headaches, and insomnia. Its believed to be due to the rush of feel-good neurochemicals flooding the brain during the high, followed by lower-than-average levels of those chemicals in the hours and days after the drug leaves ones system. This feeling may also encourage someone to take the drug again and to keep taking it to mitigate those effects. In 2022, it was estimated that around 2.1 million people in the United States had used ecstasy, also known as MDMA or Molly, in the past year. Nationwide is to offer dementia nurse clinics in more than 200 branches to help out its customers. The building society plans to help over 100,000 people through a new partnership with charity Dementia UK. Specialists - known as 'Admiral nurses' - will provide health and financial advice both in person at branches and over the telephone. Dementia is a general term for various conditions that cause a decline in brain functioning. One in 11 people over the age of 65 in the UK have the syndrome and it is expected to cost the UK economy 90billion per year by 2040. Nationwide is to offer dementia nurse clinics in more than 200 branches to help out its customers (stock image) One in 11 people over the age of 65 in the UK have the condition and it is expected to cost the UK economy 90billion per year by 2040 (stock image) Debbie Crosbie, chief executive officer of the bank, said: 'Nationwide wants to help people live their best life possible, for as long as possible. By working with Dementia UK to fund more Admiral Nurses and turning our branches into dementia clinics, we're helping to tackle the country's leading cause of death.' And Dr Hilda Hayo, chief Admiral nurse and chief executive at Dementia UK, said the number of people with the condition in the UK is set to exceed one million in the next year. Community outreach is 'crucial' as the charity seeks to 'ensure no one faces dementia alone,' she added. Nationwide, which has over 17 million customers, will also offer free appointments to family and carers of those with dementia. And its clinics will also be available to people who are not customers at Nationwide. The news comes as concerns are growing about bank branch closures on High Streets across the country. Specialists - known as 'Admiral nurses' - will provide health and financial advice both in person at branches and over the telephone (stock image) Since 2015, around 6,000 bank and building society branches have closed, according to Which? This is a problem for many older people who struggle with online banking. The financial watchdog - the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) - has put forward new rules to ensure communities are able to access cash. Under the protections, banks and building societies must decide whether local communities lack access to cash services, including branches and ATMs. If they find 'significant gaps', then they must provide additional services. Our nanny has told us shes putting up her fees in September. I think shes worth it as our children love her and we trust her implicitly. But, my husband thinks shes aware of how much we love and rely on her and so is taking us for fools. I secretly agree with my husband, but just want us to keep her as its so hard to find reliable childcare. Im concerned that if we try to negotiate shell just stop working for us and there are plenty of families in our area who are after sitters. What can we do? The big question - how do I negotiate with our babysitter as she puts her fees up without losing her to our neighbours? Posed by models Money psychotherapist Vicky Reynal replies: Most parents would agree with you: reliable childcare is hard to find. But that doesnt mean that you need to comply to her request without giving it some thought or at least attempting a negotiation. Having a tentative conversation with her about it is very different from approaching it as an aggressive negotiation or an ultimatum. There are ways to lower the risk of her responding negatively to your desire to have a conversation about this. First, I would advise you to do some research to help you have a better sense of whether she is taking you for fools or not. Vicky Reynal recommends looking for a compromise with the babysitter so that everyone is happy, especially the chi Rates might indeed have gone up since you hired her so asking around what the range is might feel reassuring because even if you end up at the top of the range, you might feel ok with the fact that in return for a higher fee you get to keep a nanny your children know and love and whom you also value. It is emotionally very costly to go through the process of recruiting a new person, for the kids to get used to them, for you and them to find out what each other likes/prefers. The process of getting into a routine with someone might be out of your mind now that she is settled, but there might be real value for you in avoiding all that again. When you approach her to have a conversation, start with the positive: how much you value and appreciate her specific feedback is always valued (and more credible) so I would point to a few things that you particularly like about how she works with your family and the kids. Then you can tell her that her request is a good opportunity to check in. Keep the scope quite broad at first: is she happy with how things are going? Are there things she likes/dislikes about the job? What does she find most challenging? Then you can move onto what prompted her to increase the fee. All this is useful information that will help you negotiate. You might find out that, actually, her landlord increased her rent and she is now struggling to make ends meet (not an unlikely scenario if you live in London, for example) which might make you feel less exploited by the request. Or, you might find out that she is moving flats which increased her travel costs but there might be solutions that can help reduce the travel costs (you can facilitate a car pool, one of you can drive her, etc.). If, instead, you find out that she feels she has been working a few too many hours you could have a think and conclude that, actually, she could be working a couple of hours less you could agree to keep her salary the same but in return she leaves earlier on Fridays, for example. This way your total costs dont go up, but she effectively gets a raise per hour. The scenarios are endless when there is more information in hand. One family I spoke to, for example, found a compromise in accepting the higher fee but in return the nanny (who was French) offered the children a 30min French class twice a week (which she enjoyed doing as she was training during the weekends to obtain a teaching certificate). The point is to try and assess what drove the request and what she values beyond the money, to create a space in which a more creative solution can emerge. Do you have a question for Vicky Reynal? Email vicky.reynal@dailymail.co.uk. Vicky's book Money On Your Mind: The Psychology Behind Your Financial Habits, by Bonnier books, 16.99 is out now. Underlying profit before taxation down slightly to 53.1m from 51.5m Clarkson shares tumbled after it reported a dip in its revenues and profits in its first half results. The world's largest shipping services company told investors on Monday that its revenue fell by 3.4 per cent year-to-year to 310.1million for the six months ended 30 June. The FTSE 250-listed firm also revealed that its underlying profit before taxation saw a slight dip to 53.1million from 51.5million. The world's largest shipping services told investors on Monday that its revenue fell by 3.4% year-on-year to 310.1million, for the six months ended 30 June Following the trading update, Clarkson shares were down 9.61 per cent to 3,950p in Monday morning trading. Despite the dip in results, the group has hiked interim dividend to 32p, up from last year's 30p, as it still expects annual results to be 'in line' with expectations. Andi Case, chief executive officer of Clarkson, said: 'The profile and further development of the forward order book, level of new business being transacted and pipeline for the second half, means that we have confidence that we will be second half weighted and deliver full year results in line with the board's expectations. 'This confidence has enabled the board to increase the interim dividend by 2p to 32p, continuing the progressive dividend policy into the 22nd year.' Following the results, analysts at Panmure Liberum said Clarkson still remained a 'buy' as it said results 'were in line with [its] forecasts'. In March, Clarkson posted record numbers for 2023 despite a 'year of disruption in the maritime markets'. It revealed that its underlying profit before taxation was up 8.2 per cent year-on-year to 109.2million, whilst revenue rose to 639.4million, up last year's 603.8million. The shipping results were largely aided by the unrest in the Middle East, which has led to an increase in ships being charted as transport companies attempted to avoid the Red Sea, where attacks on boats from Houthi rebels in Yemen have increased. Shipping firms have had to arrange longer voyages to avoid using the Suez Canal, where tensions have flared following the war between Israel and Hamas. The alternative shipping route around South Africa's Cape of Good Hope can add 10-14 days to a journey compared to passage via the Red Sea and Suez Canal. Tourism bosses have urged Rachel Reeves to bring back VAT-free shopping to boost the Treasurys coffers. In a letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer seen by The Mail on Sunday, they have called for her to scrap what has been dubbed the tourist tax to attract more overseas visitors to visit the United Kingdom. The levy costs billions each year, say economists, as tourists on shopping trips spend on hotels, restaurants and theatre visits. Industry chiefs called for the Chancellor (pictured) to scrap what has been dubbed the tourist tax to attract more overseas visitors to visit the United Kingdom The tourism chiefs claim axeing the tax could help Reeves fill an estimated 22 billion black hole she claims to have found in the public finances. The international visitor economy is not only a fast-growth sector but also contains an untapped 4.5 billion annual tax bonus... which could form part of your response to this fiscal problem, the letter said. This tax is not only damaging Britains position as a global destination but is also costing the economy around 11.5 billion in lost spending each year, added the letter, signed by the heads of UK Inbound Tourism, the Tourism Alliance and the Association of International Retail. They represent hundreds of members, which include Airbnb, shopping centre Bicester Village and the Titanic Belfast. It is the latest call to axe the tax and bolsters the views of hundreds of other businesses including the likes of Victoria Beckham and Marks & Spencer. Hotelier Sir Rocco Forte, who has spearheaded a drive to get the tax scrapped which was backed by more than 500 bosses, has said that keeping it would make a complete mockery of Labours growth promises. When he was Chancellor in 2021 former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak axed tax-free shopping for international visitors. His Conservative government refused to reverse the policy when he became Prime Minister. Previous Treasury forecasts used to justify the levy should be given fresh scrutiny, the letter argues, as they did not factor in that tourists from the EU could spend much more in the UK if the policy was scrapped. Businesses want Labour at a minimum to launch a formal assessment of the levy. Mrs Eileen Spence and her husband Peter: Pension worth thousands was finally tracked down after a decade-long search I accumulated a small company pension in the mid 1980s with a company called Intercontinental Medical Statistics, a This is Money reader asked in a previous column on finding lost pensions by Steve Webb. I have tried all the conventional methods to trace this money but without success. The question I would like to ask is why, when I have an Employee Benefit Statement from a British insurance company, I cannot trace the pension? The difficulty appears to stem from the fact that the insurance company concerned, Norwich Union, is no longer in business. However, it is known that the pension assets of NU were taken over, it's just that no-one can tell me who controls them now. I wonder how many others are in this difficulty. SCROLL DOWN TO FIND OUT HOW TO ASK STEVE YOUR PENSION QUESTION Steve Webb replies: The saga of trying to track down your missing pension has been going on for a long time. You started your hunt for the pension over a decade ago when you retired, and it was late last year when you first contacted This is Money. I wrote a column in April of this year in which I told the story to date but with the trail having run cold: Steve Webb's five top tips for finding old pots. However, Im delighted to say that your pension has been found and you have been reunited with it! I thought that regular readers of my column might be interested to know the outcome. In the process of trying to track down your pension pot we tried a range of tactics including contacting the different organisations who had administered your pension and contacting the different pension providers who had been responsible for it. The experience of looking for your pension prompted me to summarise different strategies for finding lost pensions in a free guide published by my company LCP. Got a question for Steve Webb? Scroll down to find out how to contact him One of the tips in the guide is to think about the employer who was connected to the pension. Although your former employer has changed its name, a search on the internet suggested that the business now comes under a company called IQVIA. I probably should have contacted them sooner, but I initially assumed that as a multinational company with offices all over the world, the chances they would even respond to me, let alone have information about a UK pension from the 1980s would be rather slim. However, I did manage to find contact details for the Pensions Manager at IQVIA, who was in fact very helpful. It turned out that they did still hold a pension for you but there had been some confusion because it was in the name of a Mr E Spence and you of course are Mrs E Spence. When you rang the pension administrators yourself some time ago they didnt spot that there was another member with your surname and other details matching and wrongly told you that there was no pension. Therefore, here is another tip for finding lost pensions. If you contact a scheme which you are certain you were a member of but administrators cannot find you on the system, ask if it is possible also to do a search for a match based on just some of your details, to see there is another member whose details match yours in every other respect. If your name is often misspelled, you could also them to check for common typos. Polite persistence might be required to get a scheme to do this on your behalf, but a letter requesting this search and including other key details they can cross check like date of birth and period of employment might just do the trick. Im pleased to say that in your case the pensions manager at IQVIA has chased things up and youve now had a letter setting out your options, and also offering a payment in recognition of the distress and inconvenience you have faced. Your options included receiving a payment of arrears for more than a decade of missed pension payments or taking the whole thing out as a lump sum running to thousands of pounds - which you have decided to do. You have told me that you are delighted with the outcome saying: 'When you consider that only a month or so ago I considered my pension lost to me the turnaround in my fortunes, literally, has been amazing.' Im pleased I was able to help! Furious locals are facing new-build hell amid plans to turn their sleepy village into a megacity to give Labour a boost in its bid to create millions of new homes. The proposal, put forward by a thinktank, looks to dramatically increase the population of Tempsford, Bedfordshire, from 600 to as many as 350,000 people. UKDayOne described it as 'probably the best-connected greenfield site in Britain' for the Labour Government to build on to help fulfil its housing targets. The New Towns for New Britain report highlights the opportunity as it would sit at the intersection of the East Coast Main Line and the planned East-West Rail line. Villagers say the plans are a 'joke' and have threatened to move away if it comes to fruition as it could turn the 'beautiful little village' - where locals rejoice to see deer and rabbits roaming around - into a town bigger than Cambridge. Many outraged residents said the new homes would 'decimate everything' in their 'wonderful' rural paradise. It comes after The Deputy Prime Minister, who is spearheading the Government's bid to deliver 1.5million new homes over the next five years, rubbished claims that they want to 'concrete over' the countryside. Villagers like Mark Cleary, 58, (pictured) say the plans are a 'joke' and have threatened to move The New Towns for New Britain report highlights the opportunity as it would sit at the intersection of the East Coast Main Line and the planned East-West Rail line Villagers say the plans are a 'joke' that could decimate their 'beautiful little village' The village of Tempsford in Bedfordshire where there are plans to build new homes The quiet village is picturesque with old cottages and pretty houses The village of Tempsford in Bedfordshire, where new homes are planned to be built The village includes a quiet children's playground on a grassy area It comes as Labour pledges to build a generation of new towns with 'beautiful buildings' The village is split between the A1 making the two parts each their own distinctive halves, but may become the size of a city on the border of Cambridgeshire. Tempsford resident Mark Cleary, 58 said: 'It is a complete joke. 'There's nothing wrong with a few new houses but to turn a village with historic connections to the Doomsday book into a city is mad. 'I cycle for miles every day and I see all of the wildlife, deer, rabbits - it's wonderful. 'I've got sympathy for the need for new homes but to expand here is crazy.' The European sales director added: 'It's wrong. We'd have to move as it just isn't why we decided to live here. 'I bet the government haven't thought about the different types of housing needed, or have any plans for doctors or dentists. 'Labour shouldn't be wasting their time with building houses around here when there's much better things to be focusing on.' Stanley Birkin-Walls, 17, has lived in Tempsford all his life. The college student said: 'I expect to have moved out of my parent's house before these houses are built but otherwise I would want to move. 'When I was younger me and my mates were bike on the bridleways and green lanes for hours and it was great. 'I think it would be good for a few more things around here, at the moment we don't even have a shop. 'But I wouldn't want to live in a city all the way out here. I don't think my parents do either.' Paulette Smith, 64, has lived in Tempsford since 1996, and said it didn't really matter what she thought as the 'big boys' always got their way. The village of Tempsford where there are plans to build new homes increasing the population to 350,000 The village features lots of greenery and picturesque cottages A church in the village of Tempsford where there are plans to build new homes The village of Tempsford where there are plans to build new homes increasing the population to 350,000 An area of greenery in the village of Tempsford in Bedfordshire Angela Rayner has rubbished 'nonsense' claims Labour wants to 'concrete over' the countryside as she unveiled her plans for a fresh generation of new towns People sit on the banks of the River Cam and lawns of King's College in Cambridge Your browser does not support iframes. She said: 'The big boys come in and do it anyway, no matter how much we shout and scream about it. 'It doesn't matter what government it is, they're all the same. 'I just can't envision more than quarter of a million houses in this beautiful little village. 'They'd need a GP, a dentist, schools and a shop and we don't even have that now - all we've got is a farm shop.' Mrs Smith, a retired theatre assistant from the NHS, added: 'They should use empty homes. The city centres are dead even Bedford. 'They just want to plough down fields.' David Sutton is the chairman of the Parish Council in Tempsford and said stories of new developments crop up every few years. Mr Sutton, 50, said: 'It's not: 'not in my backyard', it's 'not everything in my backyard'. 'This will decimate everything by making Tempsford as big as Milton Keynes and Cambridge together. 'We understand that Cambridge and Oxford need new homes but we're too small a village to say no to anything. We've got no voice, no power and those in charge don't care.' Angela Rayner confirmed Labour's reforms are set to include rebranding some green belt land as 'grey belt', which is deemed to be poor quality, for building houses Your browser does not support iframes. Mr Sutton lives in a home dating back to at least 1560 and says preserving history in Tempsford is as important as anywhere else. He added: 'We're not against a bit of sustainable development but you can't throw away all of our history at once to build on it. 'You shouldn't be able to take all of this away without consequences. We don't want to be the next Milton Keynes.' 'The new government are desperate to build 1.5million houses as quickly as possible just throwing everything at a rural community that struggles with flooding and its sewage network every winter. '[Tempsford] has no shop other than a farm shop open a few days a week, no schools, no pubs but an amazing community of residents that have built fantastic friendships and grown their families here for many many years and who will see it all destroyed in one foul swoop. 'Tempsford and the entire area around it is under threat. Using tens of thousands of acres of arable land when we are already struggling as a country with food security seems crazy.' Maureen Goddard, 66, said supposed plans for the 350,000 homes were 'dreadful.' The proud housewife said: 'We're a village and we want it to remain a village. 'I hope I don't see it in my lifetime. It's awful. I'm all for progress but we don't need any more houses here, I just despair. 'We're lucky we haven't had many housing developments and I've lived here 40 years. Life is just too busy nowadays.' The plans were put forward by UKDayOne, which describes itself as a 'non-partisan initiative dedicated to supercharging UK growth and progress'. The Deputy PM, pictured at a development site in Basingstoke, is spearheading the Government's bid to deliver 1.5m new homes over the next five years Your browser does not support iframes. The 'Tempsford New Town' would be 45 minutes from central London, where the housing crisis is the most intense, 20 minutes from Cambridge and under an hour from Oxford. The report claimed there is an 'exceptionally strong case' for building the supertown and it has 'every prospect of becoming a major economic centre'. MailOnline has approached UKDayOne for comment. It comes as Labour pledges to build a generation of new towns with 'beautiful buildings and tree-lined streets'. Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced changes to the planning system to boost housebuilding. These include the restoration of mandatory local housebuilding targets. Angela Rayner confirmed Labour's reforms are set to include rebranding some green belt land as 'grey belt', which is deemed to be poor quality, for building houses. The government said half of all homes on such sites should be classed as affordable and it would require plans to improve existing green spaces and create new ones. But county councils pushed back, warning: 'Housing targets should not be overwhelmingly allocated, or re-allocated, to county and rural areas.' Labour announced the measures in a bid to tackle the ongoing housing crisis in the UK, with soaring rents and unaffordable homes. The new Government blasted the existing planning system as a 'major brake' on economic growth and pledged reforms. Tory leader Rishi Sunak recently lashed out at Labour's bid to overhaul the planning system as he warned against denying local people a say on new developments. The ex-PM said the Government's plans will 'damage public consent for more housing in the long-term'. A representative of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: 'No decisions have yet been made on the location of any new towns and speculation to the contrary is deeply unhelpful.' A spokesperson for the UK Day One project, said: 'Britain has an acute housing shortage, placing home ownership out of reach of a whole generation. In the 1980s, the average house price was three times the average salary now it's nine times. 'New towns have a role to play in addressing this crisis, especially where they enjoy fast and frequent railway connections into cities with bad housing shortages. Once the Oxford-to-Cambridge line reopens, Tempsford will be probably the best location in England for this. 'We urge the Government to look at putting a new town here, and to invest much of the revenues from development into improving services and infrastructure for the existing community.' Parents of a young teacher found with 20 stab wounds have won the right to challenge the ruling of her death as a suicide. Ellen Greenberg, 27, was found dead on the kitchen floor of her apartment in Philadelphia in the middle of a blizzard on January 26, 2011. She had 10 stab wounds to her neck and the back of the head, and 10 to her stomach, abdomen, and chest with a 10-inch knife still plunged into her heart. Her fiance Sam Goldberg told police he broke down the door, which was locked from the inside, found her, and attempted CPR while on the phone with 911. Assistant Philadelphia Medical Examiner Marlon Osbourne initially ruled her death a homicide but changed it to suicide after a meeting with police and prosecutors. Ellen Greenberg was 27 years old when her fiance Sam Goldberg found her dead in the kitchen of her Philadelphia apartment on January 26, 2011 Greenberg's parents Joshua and Sandee have spent the 13 years since, and hundreds of thousands of dollars, trying to reverse the death certificate change to suicide Greenberg's parents Joshua and Sandee have spent the 13 years since, and hundreds of thousands of dollars, trying to reverse it. 'Ellen stabbing herself 20 times before dying is bulls**t. She died from a very vicious, very painful knife attack,' Joshua told DailyMail.com. After amassing a wealth of evidence pointing to homicide, they sued the ME's office and Osborne in 2019 but were rejected by the Commonwealth Court last September. But the Pennsylvania Supreme Court this week granted their appeal to hear the case as a 'matter of statewide importance'. 'We're smiling, we're very optimistic... I hope we're making our daughter proud. There's been a lot of frustration, but we haven't given up,' Sandee said. The court will hear arguments on whether 'executors and administrators of an estate have standing to challenge an erroneous finding recorded on the decedent's death certificate'. The order noted 'that finding constitutes a bar or material impediment to recovery of victim's compensation, restitution or for wrongful death, as well as private criminal complaints'. Joshua said the family would change a longstanding precedent if it won, and hoped Greenberg's cause of death would at least be changed to 'undetermined'. 'Medical examiners apparently have this ability that you and I don't have - they can walk on water so their conclusions cannot be challenged, except by a court. So, we are challenging something that cannot be challenged,' he said. Greenberg's fiance Sam Goldberg told police he broke down the door, which was locked from the inside, found her, and attempted CPR with on the phone with 911 Ellen's parents Sandee and Joshua Greenberg tell DailyMail.com they have 'a mountain of evidence' to prove their daughter was murdered The family's lawyer, Joseph Podraza, said getting the finding changed could force Greenberg's death to be reinvestigated as a possible homicide. 'We've got our fingers and toes crossed. That's why we were ecstatic when the Pennsylvania Supreme Court decided to take up the matter,' he said. 'We're hopeful that one of the reasons that they took this case is to set that precedent and to correct what we contend is an erroneous determination.' Though the Commonwealth Court found the Greenbergs had no standing to challenge the medical examiner, the judges were otherwise on their side. The 39-page decision was a scathing indictment of how the case was handled, giving them hope for the Supreme Court appeal. Judges wrote they were 'acutely aware of the deeply flawed investigation' and their opinion was written ''in the interests of justice' and 'with hopes that equity may one day prevail for the victim and her loved ones'. 'It's virtually all devoted to how messed up and sloppy and substandard the police investigation was and how many mistakes they made,' Podraza said. City of Philadelphia lawyers maintained 'the law makes clear that a medical examiner can be wrong as to the manner of death yet cannot be compelled to change it'. 'We're smiling, we're very optimistic... I hope we're making our daughter proud. There's been a lot of frustration, but we haven't given up,' Sandee said Joshua said the family would change a longstanding precedent if it won, and hoped Greenberg's cause of death would at least be changed to 'undetermined' Greenberg's parents and their lawyer laid out the evidence they argued pointed to the first-grade teacher being murdered. They spent years conducting their own investigation with private detectives, several pathologists, and photogrammetry recreating each of the 20 stab wounds. 'This is not something we thought, in a million years, we would ever be doing or would ever happen. We thought there was a very bright future. We were planning for future generations never expecting her life to end like this,' Sandee said. 'It took years for us to piece this together. At the beginning I was sitting up at night looking at reports with a centimeter ruler trying to figure out how that really translated into how shallow or deep the incisions were on my child's body. 'We realized we needed to get experts to help us do this so that's what we did.' DailyMail.com conducted its own investigation in 2020, speaking with the experts the Greenbergs employed along with others - all of whom agreed the case wasn't as open and shut as authorities insisted. Since then, Podraza has conducted depositions with Osbourne and other medical experts involved in the case, as part of the lawsuit. The depositions revealed startling new information, including that one of the wounds may have been inflicted after Greenberg's heart stopped. 'That took us out of hypothetical and put us in reality, that you can actually point to physical evidence that establishes a homicide versus suicide,' Podraza said, crediting it with getting the Supreme Court appeal. Much of the suspicion has fallen on Goldberg, who is now a married father-of-two working as a film and TV producer in Manhattan. He has never spoken publicly about his fiancee's death, and never been outright accused of causing it. 'Police murder investigations usually start with the people who are closer in relation to the victim,' Joshua said. He added that given the number of wounds, there could have been a second attacker with a murder weapon that was never found. Goldberg told police he had gone to the gym downstairs about 4.45pm and couldn't get back inside the apartment when he returned half an hour later Goldberg is now a married father-of-two working as a film and TV producer in Manhattan. He married Caroline Fay Shnay, the daughter of well-off real estate agents, at the Plaza in New York City on January 11, 2014 Greenberg's body was also covered in 11 bruises on her arm, abdomen, and leg at varying stages of healing, which her father claimed had to be from abuse over a long period of time. 'I think those injuries are crucial to the whole thing,' he said, adding that covering up the abuse could be a motive for murdering her. Joshua said his daughter's behavior changed and she wanted to quit her job, leave Goldberg and move back home with her parents, and they had agreed to take her in. 'Sandy and I both believe Ellen was going to go home that day,' he said. 'She had taken off the engagement ring, had packed up her makeup, which was very valuable to her, and she was planning to leave. 'And I think things didn't work out well, and she never made it home.' Police claimed the bruises were likely from playing contact sports, or doing yoga or Pilates - none of which Greenberg did. 'The whole thing is baloney,' Joshua said. Greenberg's body was also covered in 11 bruises on her arm, abdomen, and leg at varying stages of healing, which her father claimed had to be from abuse over a long period of time Greenberg's parents also insisted she was not suicidal, but she was nervous and anxious in the weeks leading up to her death. Friends told her parents that they too noticed a change, and that increasingly she deferred to Goldberg on decisions she would once have made for herself. Her parents made her a deal that she could come home if she saw a psychiatrist about what was troubling her, and she agreed. 'Ellen's behavior had changed, and the police tried to say that she was crazy and suicidal. Well, she wasn't,' Joshua said. 'I made an agreement because she wanted to come home and I wanted to take care of her, but I didn't want her to lose her job if she didn't have to.' Psychiatrist Ellen Berman saw Greenberg three times, diagnosed her with anxiety, and prescribed her Ambien and Klonopin - but was very clear that she wasn't suicidal. Podraza also said the FBI searched her computer and didn't find any suicide-related searches. Where is Sam Goldberg now? Greenberg's parents said Goldberg sporadically kept in touch with Sandee for two or three years after her death. 'At the end of the conversation, I would always say, you know, Sam, this was not a suicide, we know this is not,' she told DailyMail.com 'He never responded, and he would just hang up.' The last they heard from him was in 2013 in an email telling them he was getting married. Goldberg married Caroline Fay Shnay, the daughter of well-off real estate agents, at the Plaza in New York City on January 11, 2014, almost exactly three years after Greenberg's death. Sam Goldberg with wife Caroline Shnay Goldberg and their child in a 2017 Facebook photo Shnay told a blogger in 2017 about how she quit her career as a fashion buyer after 12 years to be a full-time mother to her daughter Lola, who was born in late 2015. 'Today Lola is 18 months and I stand by this decision. I admit, there are many challenging days and I often remind myself that this day, this time in my life will not last forever,' she said 'What they say about motherhood is true, the days are long, the years are short.' Shnay said Goldberg was 'hands on, and present, a true life saver' 'He is also a star in the kitchen. Besides from me breastfeeding Lola for her first five months of life, Sam has cooked most of her meals that are not from an Annie's box,' she said. Martin Shnay and his daughter Caroline Shnay attend Alice + Olivia pop-up store opening at Scoop on November 20, 2009 The couple live in a two-bedroom apartment in Grammercy Park they bought for $1.8 million in 2017. Goldberg is a film and TV producer whose credits mainly consist of little-known independent titles. Greenberg's parents said they hadn't kept up with his life since then. 'I don't think it's any of our business, I don't know what he does. There's no interest on my part about what his life is like,' Joshua said. Advertisement Most basic of her parents' objections is the very idea that Greenberg could have stabbed herself 20 times, including 10 times in her neck and the back of her head. They included eight wounds to her chest, including the four-inch wound to her heart, a two-inch wound to her stomach, a 2.5-inch gash across her scalp, and 10 wounds up to three inches deep to the back of her neck. 'Just think of the magnitude of the wounds. The pain of that alone would incapacitate anybody who was not under some psychotropic drug influence,' Podraza said. 'With all of the nerve bundles that are surrounding [the back of the neck], it's impossible that she would have continued to self-inflict, cause the body would have just shut down from just the magnitude of the pain going through it.' A deposition with Lyndsey Emery, a former pathologist at the ME's office, also revealed one of the wounds may have been post-mortem. Emery was asked in 2019 by Chief Medical Examiner Sam Gulino to analyze a section of Greenberg's spinal column kept in storage. She told the deposition that the wounds on the spinal column and the dura didn't have any hemorrhaging around them. 'Lack of hemorrhage means no pulse,' she said. A crime scene analyst hired by the family noted that Ellen had been moved. She was found seated on the floor, propped up against kitchen cabinets, yet a streak of coagulated blood ran in a horizontal line from her nose to her ear This graphic shows knife wounds Ellen suffered to her neck and chest, that pierced her brain and severed her spinal cord There were two other possibilities, Emery said - Greenberg could have died very soon after the wound was inflicted, or it wasn't serious enough. But she admitted she would expect to see hemorrhaging if Greenberg was alive when she was stabbed. 'My attorney almost fell off his chair when she said during the deposition, but we had no knowledge of that at all,' Joshua said. 'You cannot have a post-mortem wound inflicted by yourself if you are a suicide victim.' A month later, Emery made a written declaration saying she didn't fully grasp the scope of the question and there were three more reasons there could have been no hemorrhaging. But Podraza and Greenberg's parents are skeptical. They also don't believe Osborne when he said he took a section of Greenberg's spinal column to renowned neuropathologist Lucy Rorke-Adams to look it. Bizarrely, he put it in a jar and walked it through heavy snow to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, where Rorke-Adams worked. Osborne claimed she looked at it and could see the spinal cord itself wasn't cut, so Greenberg wasn't paralyzed and could have kept stabbing herself. However, Rorke-Adams never billed for the consultation or wrote a report, and years later said she had no memory of the entire episode. Another graphic show's Ellen's spinal cord had actually been severed and her brain pierced in two forceful stabs to the neck. She could have neither defended nor harmed herself after those blows More came out of a deposition with Gulino, who said he and Osborne were summoned to an 'unusual' meeting with the police and DA's office. '[It's] clear that they were presenting information because they felt that the manner of death was different from what had been ruled,' he said. It was during that meeting that police claimed they confirmed a doorman was with Goldberg when he broke the door down - despite him never saying so. This became a pivotal moment in the case and was a key factor in the manner of death being changed to suicide. '[It] was important to find out if it was broken, if anyone was there to see it be broken, or is it just the story we're getting from the decedent's boyfriend that it was broken by him,' Osbourne said. '[It] doesn't seem like anyone else could have been in the room to inflict those injuries other than Ms Greenberg herself, and that is how I came to the conclusion of suicide.' But the doorman, Phil Hanton, submitted a signed statement saying he wasn't there and never left his post as he was the only one on duty. Goldberg told police he had gone to the gym downstairs about 4.45pm and couldn't get back inside the apartment when he returned half an hour later. Neighbors heard him yelling to her through the door, and frustrated, he began calling before texting her nine messages. They were: 'Hello,' 'open the door,' 'what r u doin,' 'i'm getting pissed,' 'hello,' 'you better have an excuse,' 'what the f***' 'ahhh' 'u have no idea.' Goldberg went back downstairs to ask the apartment building security guard if he had some sort of tool that he could use to break in. The guard did not. Cameras in the building also showed Hanton did not go upstairs with Goldberg. Podraza claimed there were indications that Goldberg may have even called 911 from the hallway, not inside the apartment like he claimed. Ellen had been stabbed ten times in the back of her neck and head and ten in her stomach, abdomen and chest and a knife was still plunged in her heart Then there was the door itself that Goldberg claimed to have broken the lock on. The door had a swing lock that Greenberg's family said was barely damaged and not in the right way for it being kicked in. 'It wasn't damaged. It wasn't bent. It wasn't pulled out of the wall. There's very little if any damage, to that lock, which would have to have been the formed to allow somebody to to go to go into that apartment,' Joshua said. Osborne admitted during the deposition that if he knew there was dispute about what happened with the door, he would have ruled Greenberg's death 'undetermined'. Other reasons he cited under oath for his switch to suicide were the spinal cord exam, the lack of defensive wounds, no incapacitating drugs in Ellen's system, no sign of an intruder, Goldberg's statements, and police findings at the scene. Goldberg said he called 911 when he saw Ellen's body, the audio of which was only released during the depositions. 'Help!... My fiancee's on the floor with blood everywhere,' he said. He later added, 'I can't see anything... there's nothing broken... Ellie!... I think she hit her head.' 'Oh my god! She stabbed herself... she fell on a knife... there is a knife sticking out of her heart.' The door had a swing lock that Greenberg's family said was barely damaged and not in the right way for it being kicked in Goldberg said his fiancee was lying down on the floor when he found her, but when police arrived she was propped up against the wall, despite him saying he did CPR on her. 'There's a streak of blood from Ellen's ear to her nose on one side of her face, that's horizontal,' Joshua said. 'So if the blood was travelling by was by the force of gravity and it went from the nose to the ear, that means the position of Ellen's head was lying on her back with her face facing the sky. 'Then how did you get to a seated position? The body was moved.' Podraza believes the city has fought Greenberg's family tooth and nail for 13 years because it was covering up how badly 'botched' the investigation was. 'The most troubling thing is that on January 26th, the homicide detectives did not summon the crime scene unit, despite it being suspicious,' he said. 'As a result of that, it left the premises unguarded and allowed non-official personnel access the next day. 'It resulted then, in a crime, a crime scene, clean up company, actually scouring the premises, and cleaning it, and Sam's relatives having access to remove whatever they desired - all before the police were notified that the medical examiner's office determined this to be a homicide. 'So by the time the police showed up, it was too late.' Sam Goldberg (right) is seen with friends and family in a 2009 Facebook photo posted by his sister Joshua agreed as he claimed the city sent an army of lawyers to block them at every turn. 'We have had to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars and 13 years trying to get justice for our daughter,' he said. 'And it could have been handled right away without spending a hell of a lot of money and a lot of time. 'How much is the city spent on this? How much has the city wasted, time wise, where they could be doing more beneficial things to the citizens of Philadelphia and the state of Pennsylvania? 'What they're covering up, I don't know. Are they covering up police inadequacy and mistakes? Are they covering up some other personality or person? 'I don't know, but it's a cover up. There's a mistake somewhere here, a big f**king mistake.' Another bizarre episode was then-Pennsylvania Attorney-General Josh Shapiro, now governor, recusing himself from the case in July 2022. Another bizarre episode was then-Pennsylvania Attorney-General Josh Shapiro, now governor, recusing himself from the case in July 2022 A YouTuber claimed Goldberg's family were contributors to Shapiro's campaign, and he therefore had a 'conflict of interest'. Shapiro recused himself three days later and his office said though there was no actual conflict, there was an 'appearance' of one. Greenberg's parents blasted Shapiro at the time, but declined to comment to DailyMail.com, since the former attorney-general was now the frontrunner to be Kamala Harris' running mate. 'He stole four years from us, holding the case in his office, and we have no evidence of him doing anything,' Sandee said in 2022. There is not yet a date for any hearing before the Supreme Court, and the appeal could take up to a year. A New York homeowner found a horrifying item outside his home while doing yardwork last week amid a 'sick' trend spreading across the nation. The unidentified homeowner noticed a camouflaged camera hidden in the shrubbery outside of home in the upscale community of Scarsdale last Sunday, CBS News reports. Police said it was camouflaged with fake greenery and hooked up to a cellular hotspot to broadcast surveillance footage, as burglars use these hidden cameras across the nation to monitor opportunities to break into homes or steal vehicles. It is now believed the group who set up the cameras in Scarsdale are from South America, and local police are getting help from the FBI and Homeland Security in their investigation. The discovery has left some residents on edge. A New York homeowner in neighborhood of Scarsdale (pictured), New York, found a hidden camera in the shrubbery outside his home Police said it was camouflaged with fake greenery in this bush (pictured) and hooked up to a cellular hotspot to broadcast surveillance footage 'The bad guys are ahead of us,' Scarsdale resident Steve Samtur told CBS News. He added that some of his neighbors are now checking their shrubbery for any hidden cameras. 'I think we will, and in general, Scarsdale will be more vigilant because of this,' Samtur said. But officers noted there has been no indication that a burglary has occurred in the city, and no other cameras have been found in the rest of the Bradford Road neighborhood. Scarsdale resident Steve Samtur said the discovery has neighbors on edge The incident is just the latest in a string of burglars setting up hidden cameras, like this one, to monitor homes The incident is just the latest in a string of burglars setting up hidden cameras to monitor homes. In May, a woman in California also found a camera camouflaged in a bush pointed at her home. The woman, only identified as Lisa, told KTLA her neighbor had pulled out a bag that had a camera with a battery pack that was pointed right at her home. 'She thought that someone had put trash in her bush, so she went to clear it up,' Lisa recounted. 'Upon getting closer to the bush, she pulled out a bag and there was a camera with a battery pack.' The camera was pointing right towards her family's home. Outside of Boston, a neighbor found a hidden camera pointed at a home that had been burglarized two weeks before The discovery came just one day after she watched news coverage of four men who were arrested with a similar camera when Glendale police pulled over a vehicle being driven without headlights. A search of the vehicle turned up a 'video surveillance device' with a 'battery pack charging system camouflaged with leaves', according to cops. In a statement, Glendale Police said: 'This evidence, combined with the finding of freshly disturbed dirt in a planter in the cul-de-sac, led Glendale detectives to believe that the suspects had strategically placed the camera in the planter. 'This method allowed them to create a sophisticated method to gain a view of residences and know when homeowners would leave.' The suspects have been identified as Bryan Martinez Vargas, 28, Jose Antonio Velasquez, 28, Edison Arley Pinzon Fandino, 27 and Luis Moreno, 29. All four men are Colombian nationals that they believe to be part of an apparent burglary tourism ring that uses extensive surveillance, GPS technology, video feeds and counter-surveillance to establish patterns of behavior for their victims. Two suspects were caught on surveillance footage walking through the empty house in Braintree, Massachusetts on June 20 Another camera was found just one month later in Alhambra, California, and on June 20, two suspects were caught on surveillance camera walking through an empty home outside of Boston. Two weeks later, Braintree police say a neighbor found a hidden camera in the bushes across from the house where the burglary occurred, Boston 25 News reports. Photos of the hidden camera show that it was covered in leaves to camouflage it with its surroundings. Three suspects, all from New York City, have since been arrested in that incident. Cops across the country are now urging residents to remain vigilant and take precautions to prevent burglaries - like never leaving a hidden key outside your home, and always locking your doors and windows when leaving. If you spot a suspicious vehicle, write down the license plate, officers also advised - adding to also keep your front porch and exteriors well-lit. Trees and bushes should also be well-trimmed, they said - so as to not become an easy hiding spot for thieves. The installation of security cameras is also important, cops said, as is monitoring them frequently. And lastly, a broken window or open door should be a telltale sign to call police immediately, and to not even come close to entering. 'Remember, it's important to regularly inspect the exterior of your home for any unfamiliar objects or changes in the landscaping that could potentially hide a surveillance camera,' Glendale police said in June. 'Keep an eye out for suspicious people knocking on doors. They may be checking whether someone is home.' Police have charged more than a dozen people over the vile rioting sweeping the nation as the CPS vowed to take 'immediate' action against lawbreakers. Six people have been named and charged over offences in Southport, Liverpool city centre and Walton in the past week, Merseyside Police confirmed tonight. A further six will also face the courts tomorrow after being charged with violent disorder for their alleged roles in clashes in Sunderland on Friday. Seven have already appeared at Teesside Magistrates' Court after being charged with violent disorder in Hartlepool on Wednesday. The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) confirmed tonight that there have already been 147 arrests made since Saturday, with the figure expected to rise 'significantly', following deplorable attacks on hotels housing asylum seekers. MIDDLESBROUGH: A car burns on Parliament Road after it was set alight by far-right thugs ROTHERHAM: Police try to restore order as thugs attack a hotel housing asylum seekers ROTHERHAM: A thug throws concrete bricks as police officers try to restore order on Sunday ROTHERHAM: A man is attacked by police dogs during an anti-immigration protest on Sunday ROTHERHAM: Violent thugs attack a hotel housing asylum seekers earlier today ROTHERHAM: A man is arrested as riot police clashed with far-right protestors today ROTHERHAM: A demonstrator joins the anti-immigration protest in Rotherham on Sunday MIDDLESBROUGH: A car burns on Parliament Road after it was set alight by far-right activists Jimmy Bailey, 45, of Station Avenue, Ellesmere Port was charged with violent disorder after a group were seen throwing stones, bricks and missiles at police on Saturday. He was remanded into custody to appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court tomorrow. Declan Geiran, 29, of Kelso Road, Liverpool, has been charged with violent disorder and arson. It followed an attempt to set a police van on fire in the city. He has also been remanded in custody to appear before Liverpool Magistrates Court on Monday. Lloyd Killner, 35, of Burton Road, Lincoln, faces the same charge after a group were seen in Stanley Street charging and swearing at officers, and throwing missiles. William Nelson, 69, of Linton Street, Walton, has been charged with violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon. Both will appear at the same court tomorrow. Liam James Riley, of Walton Road, Kirkdale, has also been charged with violent disorder. He has been remanded into custody to appear at Wirral Magistrates' Court on Monday. Derek Drummond, 58, of Pool Street, Southport has also been charged with violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker. He will appear at Wirral Magistrates Court tomorrow. Detective Chief Inspector Tony Roberts said earlier this week that police would 'continue to explore all lines of inquiry' to bring offenders to justice. He said this includes a 'specialist team' currently reviewing 'hundreds of hours of footage' and images to identify all those involved. 'If you took part in this disorder, you can expect to receive a knock on your door by our officers,' he added. 'We would continue to appeal to anyone who has information or video footage of those involved in the shocking disorder on Tuesday night to come forward so we can identify and arrest those responsible.' ROTHERHAM: A man throws a missile during an anti-immigration demonstration on Sunday ROTHERHAM: Flares are waved during a riot outside of the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers MIDDLESBROUGH: Hundreds turned out to march and enact horrifying violence today MIDDLESBROUGH: police help a woman after falling over during an anti-immigration protest SUNDERLAND: A car is toppled over and set alight during scenes of disorder on Friday BOLTON: A group of protesters were kept apart from counter protesters this afternoon LIVERPOOL: The destroyed interior of a library and food bank following violent demos ROTHERHAM: An agitator hurls concrete bricks near the hotel attacked on Sunday The Crown Prosecution Service said in a statement this evening it had deployed extra lawyers 'to ensure law and order is maintained, and justice is served' following an order to make immediate charging decisions where evidence is available. Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions, said: 'The acts of violence seen across the country this weekend have involved criminality of the most serious kind. 'I want there to be no doubt about our determination to ensure that those involved will face severe consequences. 'I am determined that we will act swiftly and robustly, giving the courts maximum ability to pass sentences that reflect what has occurred.' UK courts are now 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. Keir Starmer today 'guarantee[d]' that people fuelling the chaos in person or online 'will regret taking part in this disorder' in an evening address. '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,' he said. '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.' The statement came as rioters set fire to a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham. Horrifying scenes showed groups throwing bricks of concrete in the direction of the hotel and fires set outside, near doors. 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. South Yorkshire Police assistant chief constable Lindsey Butterfield said 'those who simply stood on and watched' the rioting in Rotherham were 'absolutely complicit in this'. Rioters 'should expect us to be at their doors very soon', she added. MIDDLESBROUGH: A member of the community offers snacks to officers on the front line MIDDLESBROUGH: Residents offer food and snacks to police on the front line this evening TAMWORTH: The stairwell of a Holiday Inn Express was set alight this evening, as 'Get out England' was spray painted on the side of the building TAMWORTH: Flames engulf the stairwell in the Holiday Inn tonight as violence breaks out 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 As many as 35 people were arrested in Middlesbrough during the violence that took place in the town on Sunday. 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 to ask whether they were 'white and English' before allowing them to pass. More than 300 protesters started marching towards the city's Cenotaph on Sunday. Hooligans set fire to cars and wheelie bins, pushed towards police trying to restore order. The 'staggering' surge of violence led to 35 people being arrested in Middlesbrough on Sunday, police said. 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. 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. Cleveland Police said it has now arrested 55 people because of the violence that has swept across Teesside as 20 suspects were also arrested after rioting in Hartlepool on Wednesday. Assistant Chief Constable David Felton said: 'The level of violence we have seen today is staggering. 'We know the shocking scenes across Middlesbrough today will have caused alarm amongst communities. 'I want to reassure the people of Teesside that we will continue to identify those involved in these acts of violence and arrest them and put them before the courts.' 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. Seven people appeared at Teesside Magistrates' Court on Friday after earlier being charged and remanded in custody by police. Ryan Sheers, 29, and Steven Mailen, 54, both pleaded guilty to a single charge of violent disorder in Murray Street, Hartlepool. ROTHERHAM: Violence saw aggressors attack a hotel housing asylum seekers on Sunday ROTHERHAM: Riot police detain an anti-migration agitator outside the Holiday Inn MIDDLESBROUGH: Police made 35 arrests in Middlesbrough on Sunday as violence flared ROTHERHAM: Rioters throw a garbage bin on fire outside the hotel ROTHERHAM: A police dog attacks one of the group on a so-called anti-migration protest BOLTON: Police officers stand guard as counter-protesters push against the police cordon on the day of a protest against illegal immigration SUNDERLAND: Clean up work begins after a night of horror in Sunderland on Friday HANLEY: Police attend to a bleeding man amid anti-migration demonstrations 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. Will have spent six-months in hospital, away from her kids A single mother-of-two has lost her job and will be forced to undergo six months of rehabilitation after a spinal fracture became infected while on a girls' trip. Kylie Wanschers, 49, stepped out onto a wet hotel balcony to get a towel and fell onto her back while on holiday with a friend in March. Doctors back home at Armidale, in NSW's Northern Tablelands, suspected she had cracked ribs, but Ms Wanschers knew it was much worse. She got a CT scan to check for further injuries but couldn't get a follow-up appointment for three weeks, during which her condition rapidly deteriorated. Her friend, Jodie Hayden, said the mother was experiencing spasms around her spine and 'screaming in pain'. She was later diagnosed with two fractured vertebrae, T9 and T10, that led to an infection which was aggressively attacking her spinal cord. By the time she was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, Ms Wanschers couldn't feel or move either of her legs. While surgery was completed to have a steel rod added to her spine, she is looking at six-months of rehabilitation which has cost her her job. Single mother-of-two, Kylie Wanschers (left), is learning to walk again after a fall on a balcony led to two fractured vertebrae and an infection that aggressively attacked her spinal column Ms Hayden said her friend has been left with a lifelong injury and that her right leg 'won't ever be the same again'. Ms Wanschers was transported to Sydneys Royal North Shore Hospital and will be undergoing her rehabilitation in the north-west suburb of Ryde. Ms Hayden has taken up the role of looking after her friend's two children while Ms Wanschers learns how to walk again. The recovery process will last as long as October - which will have meant she have been away from her two children for six months. Ms Wanscher's home will also have to undergo massive renovations, including 'bathroom modifications, ramps rails'. Ms Hayden said her friend will need to pay for a 'lifetime of medical bills'. By the time she was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, Ms Wanschers couldn't feel or move either of her legs '(Ms Wanschers is) a very selfless person, always looking at other people and thinking their stories are worse,' she told 7News. 'She doesn't like people doing anything for her, she's very independent. 'Things are pretty tough (but) she's determined.' Ms Hayden launched a GoFundMe to help her friend pay for renovations, medical bills and support her transition back into life back home. The fundraiser has gained over $5,000 since it was launched in late July. Rioters will face a 'reckoning' after far-right yobs across the country torched hotels, attacked police and brought chaos to the streets of Britain, the Home Secretary warned. Yvette Cooper slammed actions taken by rioters this week as 'disgraceful thuggery', after more than 420 people were arrested, as she warned 'many more will follow' as authorities scour CCTV footage to identify all those involved. Clashes, sparked by the murder of three little girls in Southport last Monday, deteriorated further yesterday when a second migrant hotel was set ablaze in Tamworth, while hundreds cheered and clinked beers outside. While in Middlesbrough the protestors were filmed stopping traffic to interrogate the passengers to check they are 'white and English'. Keir Starmer also waded in to warn far-Right rioters 'you'll regret taking part' as he tried to stamp his authority over the first major test of his Premiership. He blasted 'far-Right thuggery', for which he promised swift justice as he is expected to call a COBRA meeting today. Meanwhile, the Tories were forced to reprimanded Shadow Wales Secretary Lord Davies of Gower after The Mail on Sunday columnist Dan Hodges said there was 'no political justification' for the riots and Lord Davies retorted: 'Labour blocked the Rwanda Bill 130+ times, of course it's politically justified!' This comes as: ROTHERHAM: Police defend themselves as far-right thugs launch planks of wood on Sunday ROTHERHAM: Violent thugs yesterday attacked a hotel reported to be housing asylum seekers ROTHERHAM: A rioter throws blocks of concrete towards a hotel on Sunday Writing in the Times the Home Secretary held nothing back when 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 forums and those who have felt emboldened by this moment to stir up racial hatred.' Ms Cooper made clear that the crackdown would also cover those spreading misinformation online. This came after Tommy Robinson posted a video of a confrontation in Stoke and claimed two protesters had been stabbed 'by Muslims'. The post was viewed two million times on X. Two hours later, Staffordshire Police confirmed the information was false. Those injured were hit by something thrown by their own side. Actor Laurence Fox has also shared a string of false claims. On Friday night, he posted a list of dozens of acts of violence he alleged had been committed by immigrants under the caption: 'Anyone else had enough?' Among them was the claim that a 'woman [was] beaten to death by two Somalis while walking her dog' understood to have been a reference to last month's murder of Anita Rose, 57, in Brantham, Suffolk. Three people have been arrested in connection with the murder, but Suffolk Police last night confirmed Fox's tweet was not correct. 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. '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. A group of protesters were kept apart from counter protesters in Bolton this afternoon A fire extinguisher is sprayed at riot police in Rotherham Property is vandalised as far-right activists in Middlesbrough Protesters try to cram into the migrant hotel through a damaged fire exit in Rotherham Riot police clash with anti-migration protesters outside of the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, which is being used as an asylum hotel ROTHERHAM: Police have been trying to fend off agitators outside the hotel yesterday Yvette Cooper slammed actions taken by rioters this week, as more than 420 people have been arrested, warning 'many more will follow' as authorities scour CCTV footage for criminals Starmer blasted 'far-Right thuggery', for which he promised swift justice amid another day of violent scenes nationwide. He is today expected to hold an emergency COBRA Cabinet meeting, attended by police chiefs, in a bid to ensure the crisis does not spiral further out of control. He also opened the door yesterday to tougher sentences to act as a 'deterrent', saying he will do 'whatever it takes' to crack down on the violence. He said the sentences would mirror action taken to deal with thuggery during the 2011 riots, when he was Director of Public Prosecutions. An asylum seeker who was staying at the Holiday Inn in Tamworth when it was set alight, told the Times of his terror as he was beaten up by the mob when they broke in. 'They came onto this floor and hit me until the police drove them down the corridor.' While another 55-year-old Palestinian said his window was pelted with rocks thrown at his window. 'I was taking some tea when they ran down shouting f***, f***, f***. A shirtless man was shouting and making so much noise. They broke the windows. There were eight on my floor.' While John Woodcock, a former Labour MP, called for MI6, MI5 and GCHQ to be given additional powers that would allow them to ask social media firms to take down accounts that try to 'fan the flames of British extreme actors'. Malaysia has become the first country to warn its citizens about the dangers of visiting Britain at the moment. 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.' 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. Police officers stand near the broken windows of the hotel during an anti-immigration protest ROTHERHAM: Police try to control the deplorable violence after a mob attacked a hotel Police officers detain a protester who broke through the police line A thug throws a brick at a parked car during an anti-immigration protest in Middlesbrough Police have said that there was a 'staggering' surge of violence which led to 35 people being arrested in Middlesbrough on Sunday. 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. Cleveland Police said it has now arrested 55 people because of the violence that has swept across Teesside as 20 suspects were also arrested after rioting in Hartlepool on Wednesday. Assistant Chief Constable David Felton said: 'The level of violence we have seen today is staggering. 'We know the shocking scenes across Middlesbrough today will have caused alarm amongst communities. 'I want to reassure the people of Teesside that we will continue to identify those involved in these acts of violence and arrest them and put them before the courts.' 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. There was also an counter protest in Bolton, where it was reported that large groups of Asian men could be heard shouting 'Allahu Akbar' as they clashed with the far-right. Last night experts condemned the 'dangerous' behaviour and also called for stricter action against those spreading misinformation. Festus Akinbusoye, a former police and crime commissioner, said: 'Of course there are discussions to be had about the level of immigration, the type of immigration and issues like integration. 'But misinformation and xenophobic narratives are wrong, irresponsible and dangerous. These actions are having real world consequences and the people spreading dangerous lies need to be brought to book.' 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 yesterday A man is detained as Far-right activists hold a demonstration in Middlesbrough An anti-immigration protester wearing a Union Jack mask outside of the Holiday Inn Express An aerial view of the anti-migration protesters stand outside of the Holiday Inn Express Counter-protesters shout at police officers as they push against a cordon in Bolton Objects thrown at the hotel as trouble flares during an anti-immigration protest outside the Holiday Inn Express LIVERPOOL: Police officers attend to a shell-shocked colleague after a face-off with protesters on Saturday Mr Akinbusoye, who was Britain's first black PCC, added: 'Our entire criminal justice system is going to have to be revisited in terms of how the authorities are going to be able to legitimately counter and pre-empt these narratives. 'I understand that police forces need to be careful about what they put into the public domain but they need to... publish safe information whenever possible.' Tory leadership hopeful Mel Stride said the scrapping of pilots of rapid-response police units, introduced by the Tories last March, may make it harder to tackle the current disorder. 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 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. 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'. A 13-year-old boy has died in a horror smash on the Great Western Highway, as his family remember him as a 'sweet, funny kid'. Korbin Reid, 13, was with a 24-year-old man when they were both struck by a vehicle in Bowenfels, approximately 3km south of Lithgow, in NSW's Central Tablelands at 6pm on Friday. Bystanders performed CPR on the boy until paramedics arrived and rushed him to Lithgow Hospital in a critical condition. He was airlifted to Westmead Childrens Hospital where he later died, NSW Police said. Tributes flowed for the teenager on social media, with his heartbroken mother saying she 'missed her baby boy'. 'Mum and dad love you as well as your sisters and brothers,' she wrote. Another family remembered him as 'such a sweet, funny kid'. Korbin Reid (pictured), 13, was with a 24-year-old man when they struck by a vehicle in Bowenfels, approximately 3km south of Lithgow, in NSW 's Central Tablelands at 6pm on Friday Bystanders performed CPR on the boy until paramedics arrived and rushed him to Lithgow Hospital in a critical condition 'Rest in peace, forever young Korbin,' wrote another. The 24-year-old man was treated at the scene for minor injuries. 'The driver a 45-year-old man was uninjured,' a spokesperson for NSW Police said. 'He was taken to Lithgow Hospital for mandatory testing.' A GoFundMe page, which was set up by family members to 'ease costs for a beautiful service', has so far raised over $4,000. Residents of a California city are grappling with out-of-control crime and the loss of confidence in their elected leader. While scenes of brazen criminal activity in the city have become too common, Democrat Mayor Sheng Thao's fledgling administration is wrought with scandal. Thao's home was raided by the FBI on June 20, with agents confiscating devices belonging to her and her partner Andre Jones. This comes as the embattled mayor faces a recall effort just two years after taking office. None of this has put a damper on the frequent lootings of businesses, random shootings or brutal assaults on the elderly. Jim Ross, a Democratic consultant based in Oakland, called the crime wave and the political turmoil in the city 'the perfect storm times three.' Oakland's rage is being aimed directly at Mayor Sheng Thao, who is presiding over a crime-ridden city as she also deals with personal scandals involving her romantic partner Oakland also has a homeless crisis, with scenes of despair like this becoming more and more commonplace in the troubled metro 'For the city, I can't think of a tougher time,' Ross told The Washington Post. Bob Bishop Jackson, the senior pastor at a gospel church in Oakland, said the city is wracked with lawlessness more than ever before and 'divine intervention' is needed. Even though the homicide rate has come down, Oakland has more murders than the US average. 'I think we need, from top to bottom, a brand-new slate of leaders for the city,' Jackson said. 'We need a brand-new city council, a brand-new mayor, brand-new, brand-new, brand-new.' That's while robberies and car thefts have doubled and tripled respectively when compared to pre-pandemic rates. A smash-and-grab robbery was seen at this gas station convenience store in Oakland. Some 100 people came in and picked the shelves clean, and police never showed up An elderly woman is brutally-attacked in unprovoked assault in Oakland This is the crazy moment a bold thief casually rips a whole display of iPhones off the shelves of an Oakland Apple store amid Newsom's newest efforts to crack down on crime in the area Among the most shocking include a mass shooting at a Juneteenth celebration at Lake Merritt and an elderly woman getting attacked and robbed in broad daylight. Just last month, 100 robbers tore a gas station apart and picked the shelves clean, their conduct not generating a timely police response. Days after that incident, the Oakland Police Department admitted it only has 35 officers on patrol at any given moment for a city with over 400,000 people. Thao's response to all of this has been to say crime is down when compared to 2023's early-year crime wave, though keen observers have noted that her office's report compared the fully compiled year-end 2023 statistics with the ongoing count for 2024. Retired Judge Brenda Harbin-Forte, who led the recall effort against Thao, told local media that she had 'blood on her hands,' while also criticizing her policies that she says are driving businesses out of Oakland faster than ever before. Business owners who have decided to stick it out are beginning to reach their breaking point, with one longtime Oakland resident calling the current state of affairs 'demoralizing.' Ken Houston said he is demoralized after his office was one of 16 small businesses in a single building that were broken into and burglarized last weekend Pictured: A glass door leading into Houston's building was shattered by thieves Two masked men ransacked over a dozen small businesses based on the building and stole an estimated $120,000 worth of items Ken Houston told FOX2 KTVU that his office was one of 16 small businesses in a single building that were broken into last weekend. 'We are already struggling. the city is in dire need of public safety. We've asked over and over for help. Over and over. Before even Denny's left,' Houston said. Houston was referring to the Denny's down the street from his business's building that was forced to close after 54 years in business due to threats to 'the safety and wellbeing' of staff and customers. The old Denny's is surrounded by dilapidated RVs and other forms of blight that have become all too common as tent cities for the homeless continue popping up. Last Saturday's late-night burglary of Houston's building was caught on surveillance video, showing two masked men bursting through a door to look for valuables. The total loss was somewhere in the range of $120,000, with everything from high-end cameras, speakers, laptops and cash being stolen by the two suspects. 'How can a small business recover from that when we're already hurting. We were shut down from COVID, we weren't making that much money. Now we're back up and this happens.' QUESTION: Most of us have Demodex mites living in or near our eyelash follicles. How did we come to acquire them? Demodex mites are tiny eight-legged parasites that mostly live in the hair follicles and oil glands on your face, especially around your eyelashes, cheeks, forehead and nose. They feed on dead skin cells and sebum, a protective oily substance that is produced by sebaceous glands inside the pores, near the bottom of your hair follicles. Humans typically acquire Demodex mites, specifically Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis, through close physical contact with other humans. The mites are usually harmless and are a natural part of the human skin microbiome. Occasionally they multiply excessively, leading to a disease called demodicosis which can cause a red or white sheen to form on the skin. It's often associated with a damaged immune system. Alison Dale, Poole, Dorset Demodex mites, specifically Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis are typically acquired through close physical contact with other humans (file photo) Demodex mites are tiny eight-legged parasites that feed on dead skin cells and sebum (file photo) QUESTION: What do economists mean by 'sticky' information and 'sticky' prices? Sticky prices, also known as nominal rigidity, refers to the phenomenon where prices and wages are slow to adjust to changes in supply and demand. TOMORROW'S QUESTIONS... Q: What is 'Nap-of-the-Earth' flying? Tim Connors, York Q: Did the Roman Empire have any contact with the Chinese? Kay Simons, Tiverton, Devon Q: What is considered the world's most isolated human settlement? Alun Trent, Conwy Advertisement An example is a restaurant menu: even if ingredient costs rise, the restaurant may delay changing its menu prices due to the risk of upsetting its customers and the cost of printing new menus. Sticky information is a related term coined by economist Eric von Hippel in the 1990s. This refers to the delay in the dissemination and use of new information. For example, a central bank announces a change in monetary policy, but there is a lag whereby businesses and consumers continue to make decisions based on the old policy, leading to a delay in the time it takes for the policy to affect the overall economy. Paul Short, Wolverhampton QUESTION: What are some of the national dishes of Europe? Further to the earlier answer, we shouldn't ignore our own national dishes: Scotland has haggis; Wales has cawl, a stew of seasonal meat and vegetables; and Northern Ireland has Ulster Fry bacon, sausage, black pudding, eggs, soda bread and fried potato bread. England doesn't have an official national dish. There's a case for fish and chips... however, most people I talk to would say roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. Kev Stubbs, Draycott, Derbyshire EXCLUSIVE The wife of a reclusive radio tycoon once estimated to be worth $200million has died just three days after he passed away. Bill Caralis died aged 82 on July 19 in Pindara Private Hospital at Benowa on Queensland's Gold Coast, according to a funeral notice published on the weekend. Pam Caralis, joint proprietor of Australia's largest privately-owned radio network, died aged 85 in the same hospital on July 22, the day her husband's death was publicly revealed. Daily Mail Australia understands Mr Caralis suffered a heart attack sometime after visiting his wife who had been suffering a long-term chronic illness. 'Bill and Pam left an indelible mark on many people's lives,' their joint funeral notice stated. 'Their generosity to their staff and colleagues in the radio industry will never be forgotten. 'They were together for 60 years of marriage, inseparable in life and death.' Mr Caralis was as famed for his reclusive nature as for creating a media empire which became the Super Radio Network of 42 stations across NSW and Queensland. Pam Caralis, the wife of reclusive radio tycoon Bill Caralis - who was once estimated to be worth $200million - has died just three days after she lost her husband of 60 years. Mr and Mrs Caralis are pictured He rarely gave interviews and was notoriously resistant to being photographed. Mr Caralis made a rare exception to his obsession with privacy in March 2014 by taking out a newspaper ad to celebrate his golden wedding anniversary. An accompanying black and white photograph of the couple was described by one radio industry website as the first verified picture of Mr Caralis to have been published for 50 years. The Super Radio Network includes 2SM, which dominated Sydney's commercial ratings in the 1970s as a music station and now employs former talkback king John Laws. Mr Caralis, whose wealth was estimated to be at least $200million in a 2005 profile in the Australian Financial Review, did not flaunt his personal fortune. He was known for wearing tracksuits when he came into the office and for being reluctant to spend money on equipment, infrastructure or wages. One former employee who worked at 2SM when Mr Caralis lived above the Pyrmont studio early this century remembered staff bringing in their own toilet paper. Mr Caralis died aged 82 on July 19 at Benowa on Queensland's Gold Coast. He is pictured with local Radio 97 breakfast host Brooke Marsden on his 80th birthday In April 2003, Mr Caralis saved himself tens of thousands of dollars a year when he withdrew 2SM from the Sydney radio ratings system, citing a lack of faith in the accuracy of listener surveys. The station's last survey result before that decision was just 0.6 per cent of the available audience. A radio industry veteran told Daily Mail Australia he expected Broadcast Operations Group, which trades as Super Radio Network, to be worth somewhere between $30million and $70million. Mr Caralis was born in Greece and moved to Australia in 1945 at the end of World War II. He left school in his early teens and worked for his father's grocer shop in Sydney's Queen Victoria Building before moving into property development. After building a shopping centre at Marrickville in the city's inner west Mr Caralis had a stint in liquor retailing, establishing Camperdown Cellars. He was president of the Newtown rugby league club from 1979 to 1982 before the Jets were kicked out of the first-grade competition. In the early 1980s, Mr Caralis moved to Tweed Heads on the NSW north coast and began buying up regional broadcasters, starting in 1987 with 2RG in Griffith. He would add stations in Dubbo, Parkes, Mudgee, Lismore, Murwillumbah, Taree, Tamworth, Armidale, Grafton, Orange, Gunnedah, Port Macquarie, Toowoomba and Gympie. Mr Caralis was as famed for his reclusive nature as for creating a media empire which became the Super Radio Network of 42 stations across NSW and Queensland Mr Caralis purchased 2SM from INXS manager Chris Murphy for $8.25million in 1999 and expanded his network the next year to include 2HD and NEWFM in Newcastle. His death led to glowing tributes from many of the stations he owned. 'Mr Caralis maintained a close connection with his staff and was deeply invested in his stations and the people that worked for him,' Toowoombas 4WK station posted on social media. 'His love and passion for radio was inspirational and all of us here at 4WK will miss him greatly.' Brooke Marsden, breakfast host on Radio 97 which broadcasts on the Gold Coast and into the Tweed and Northern Rivers of NSW, also expressed her condolences. 'It was an honour to know Bill Caralis, a true legend and one of a kind human being,' she wrote. 'Thank you for everything Billy, may your big beautiful heart Rest in Peace.' Radio 2VM in Moree posted: 'We have been assured that it will be business as usual with all staff urged to continue in his loving memory. Rest easy Boss.' Mr and Mrs Caralis are survived by their sons John and George, daughter Despina and six grandchildren. A funeral for the couple will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Clear Island Waters on the Gold Coast on Friday. A shadow cabinet minister has apologised after appearing to suggest the violent anti-immigration riots across England were 'politically justified'. Lord Byron Gower got caught up in a social media exchange with Mail on Sunday commentator Dan Hodges yesterday over whether there could any justification for the disorder which saw police officers attacked, cars set alight and windows smashed. Mr Hodges posted on 'X': 'There's 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.' Responding, Mr Davies said: 'But Labour blocked the Rwanda Bill 130+ times, of course it's politically justified!' Mr Davies initially said he would 'stand by my comment', insisting he had meant Labour's immigration approach was not politically justifiable, but backed down after the remark drew criticism online. The shadow Welsh secretary has since said he 'utterly' condemns the violence seen in towns and cities across the UK over the last week and suggested his original remarks had been 'misconstrued'. Lord Byron Gower (pictured) got caught up in a social media exchange with Mail on Sunday commentator Dan Hodges yesterday about whether there was any justification for the disorder Riot police officers push back anti-migration protesters outside the Holiday Inn Express Hotel which is housing asylum seekers in Rotherham Police push back rioters outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham yesterday The exchange on 'X' between journalist Dan Hodges and Lord Davies of Gower Jo Stevens, Labour's Welsh secretary, was among those who condemned his remarks. She wrote on 'X': '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.' Mr Davies was 'spoken to' by the Lords opposition chief whip following his intervention and reminded of the consequences of the misuse of language, the Tories said. 'I apologise if earlier words have been misconstrued, particularly at such a sensitive time,' Lord Davies wrote. 'To be crystal clear, I utterly condemn the violence in our cities. What I am criticising is Labour's totally negative approach to immigration & organised crime. I stand by that.' A Conservative spokesman 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.' 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. pic.twitter.com/nx9FirSV9u Jo Stevens (@JoStevensLabour) August 4, 2024 I apologise if earlier words have been misconstrued, particularly at such a sensitive time. To be crystal clear, I utterly condemn the violence in our cities. What I am criticising is Labours totally negative approach to immigration & organised crime. I stand by that. Lord Davies of Gower (@Byron_Davies) August 4, 2024 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 Serious violence and rioting by far-right protesters continues in side streets into the evening It comes as violence escalated in parts of England on Sunday on the sixth day of disorder since the killings of three girls in Southport on Monday, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemning 'far-right thuggery' at play in the unrest. Axel Rudakubana, a 17-year-old from Lancashire, 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. A hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham was set on fire with rioters storming the building and attacking police, while others in Middlesbrough smashed the windows of houses and cars and hurled objects at officers. A car burns after being overturned during an anti-immigration protest in Middlesbrough Police officers stand near the broken windows of the hotel during an anti-immigration protest A car is vandalised as far-right activists hold a demonstration in Middlesbrough Property is vandalised as far-right activists in Middlesbrough Cleveland Police has said 35 arrests have been made. South Yorkshire Police said one arrest has been made and suggested others will follow in the coming days as evidence is analysed after one of its officers was struck unconscious in the violence. Conservative leader Rishi Sunak condemned the 'violent, criminal behaviour' later on Sunday, saying: '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.' The tech entrepreneur want them to be 'grounded' A millionaire tech entrepreneur will not be sending any of his five kids to prviate schools because he wants them to have as 'grounded' a childhood as they can. Sam Kroonenburg and his wife Claire, who live in Victoria, will enrol their children, aged between six and 13, to state schools instead. After inspecting the state's best private schools, Mr Kroonenburg said that he felt uncomfortable with what quickly felt like a 'race for status'. He thought that in order for his children to thrive in their own right they needed to focus on themselves and their passions instead of having life being handed to them. 'I think if it's too easy, or handed to you, then maybe you'll lose the passion for it,' Mr Kroonenburg told the Australian Financial Review. 'I don't know. I could be wrong. We'll find out if I was wrong.' Mr Kroonenburg pocketed $500million after selling his online education company, A Cloud Guru, that he developed with his brother, Ryan, in Karratha, Western Australia. Mr Kroonenburg is among the wealthiest people in the country and ranked 137 on the Financial Review Rich List in May 2024. Sam Kroonenburg has hundreds of millions of dollars in the bank but despite this he will be sending his five children to public schools - not private schools Mr Kroonenburg and his wife, Claire, inspected Victoria's very best private schools but ultimately decided that life should not be 'handed' to their kids Mr Kroonenburg devoted himself to the company after he was rejected from a job at Amazon and the product was initially designed to help others secure high-paying jobs at the same company he had been rejected from. The two built the program out of Mr Kroonenburg's bedroom in three weeks in 2015 and sold it six years later to US company Pluralsight for $2billion. Once Mr Kroonenburg began building the software in earnest he quit his job as an IT consultant and moved into a new home with his wife and children. 'I kind of felt like the weight of wanting to deliver it for her and for the kids,' he said. 'I could only spend all that time in the business because my wife was holding down the fort at home and putting everything into the kids and the family to hold up the part of that I was kind of letting down.' This fight to build his own company, he said, is what made him opposed to the easy ride that private schools would provide for his children. Mr Kroonenburg believes the best people in life are those who have struggled in proving themselves and he added that these people typically end up in better positions. Instead, Mr Kroonenburg admires those who endured the 'journey' of builing something from nothing. He said his children would not be able to develop this kind of drive and determination at a private school. Mr Kroonenburg built an online education company called A Cloud Guru with his brother Ryan (left) and ultimately sold it for $2billion in 2021 (A Cloud Guru Instructor, Faye Ellis, right) Before launching his own company in 2015 Mr Kroonenburg was an IT consultant who could not land a job at Amazon (pictured in 2008 with Ms Kroonenburg before the two were married) Mr Kroonenburg's wife has been at the centre of his business ventures and the millionaire encouraged others to include family in their work. Within a year of creating A Cloud Guru Mr Kroonenburg and Ryan were offered $8million to sell but Ms Kroonenburg urged him not to. At one point while his wife was dealing with their children, Mr Kroonenburg said his mother-in-law pulled him aside to tell him how hard it was to watch her daughter suffer through the hard times but they persevered. Since selling A Cloud Guru when he was 40 everything has been uphill for Mr Kroonenburg who has since co-founded another company called Cuttable. He hopes the challenges he faced developing his first company will help him make Cuttable, which is an advertising agency, even better. British warships and aircraft are on standby to help evacuate UK citizens from Lebanon as fears of all-out conflict rise after Israel assassinated Hamas and Hezbollah leaders. Urgent calls grew on Sunday for foreign nationals to leave Lebanon, which would be on the front line of a regional war, as Iran and its allies readied their response to the high-profile killings of Hezbollah's military chief Fuad Shukr in Beirut on Tuesday and Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday. Iran's Revolutionary Guards said that Haniyeh was killed by a 'short-range projectile' fired from outside his home. Several Royal Air Force transport helicopters and two naval ships are on standby in the eastern Mediterranean including the Type 45 air-defence destroyer HMS Duncan and the RFA Cardigan Bay, a transport ship that can deploy landing craft. The Ministry of Defence said it is deploying military personnel 'to provide embassies with operational support to help British nationals'. Type 45 air-defence destroyer HMS Duncan is on standby in the eastern Mediterranean to evacuate British citizens in Lebanon The RFA Cardigan Bay, a transport ship that can deploy landing craft, is also on standby in the region Foreign secretary David Lammy has urged British citizens in Lebanon to 'leave now', as the US, France, Canada, Sweden, Saudi Arabia and Jordan gave their citizens the same instructions. The US embassy in Lebanon told its citizens to 'book any ticket available to them' out of the country, adding: 'We recommend that US citizens who choose not to depart Lebanon prepare contingency plans for emergency situations and be prepared to shelter in place for an extended period of time.' 'In a highly volatile security context', French nationals were told to avoid travelling to Lebanon, and those already in the country were told 'leave as soon as possible'. Foreign secretary David Lammy has urged British citizens in Lebanon to 'leave now' Rockets fired from southern Lebanon are intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome air defence system over the Upper Galilee region in northern Israel on Sunday, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Lebanon's Hezbollah fighters The nearly 10-month-old war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas has already led to a violent fallout which has become routine around the region. In the deadliest incident on Sunday in Gaza, the Civil Defence agency said an Israeli strike hit two Gaza City schools housing displaced people, killing at least 30. This brings the number of schools hit in Gaza since July 6 to at least 11. Israel's army confirmed the latest strike and claimed Hamas was using the schools. Supermarket giant Woolworths has stopped asking customers to donate to charities at self-service checkouts following widespread frustration. Previously, Woolworths' self-service checkouts prompted shoppers to voluntarily round up their total to the nearest dollar, with the difference being donated to one of its charity partners. However, the company quietly phased out this donation prompt in December 2023 after a Christmas appeal with OzHarvest. The change follows criticism from thousands of Australians who felt the supermarket chain should donate from its profits instead, especially amid the cost of living crisis. 'A company that has turned over massive profits in recent years are asking you to round up on your purchase to donate to various charities, what a crock,' one shopper wrote online. 'How about taking it out of shareholder dividends or upper management pay packets.' Another added: 'We are struggling to put food on our own plates with the prices supermarkets charge so why don't they donate money and food themselves.' Supermarket giant Woolworths has stopped prompting customers to donate to charity at self-service checkouts after widespread frustration Aussies had voiced their anger about the feature since it was introduced in late 2022, as many were starting to feel the squeeze of a cost-of-living crisis However, others supported the feature, arguing that no-one should be offended. 'I've got no issue with this. It's less than $1, and it's usually for a good cause,' one supporter said. A Woolworths spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that the round-up option had helped raise millions of dollars. 'We'd like to thank our customers for their ongoing support of these community initiatives,' the spokesperson said. The supermarket giant has suggested other ways for customers to donate. A spokesperson previously told Daily Mail Australia that 'customers are given the option to make a small change donation at our self-service checkouts, or they can also purchase a $2 token in store'. A squatter took possession of a little fibro cottage before it was sold for almost $1.5million with the huge sum of money given to his widow. Ross Paul maintained the one-bedroom property at Gymea Bay, in Sydney's Sutherland Shire, for nearly 50 years after Joseph Louis Saric died in July 1968. The pair lived in nearby suburbs and Mr Paul organised the funeral for the Croatian migrant when he died - however it is unclear if the two men were friends. Mr Paul later died in 2018 with the executor of his estate launching legal proceedings that would allow him to sell the property. He argued Mr Paul was the owner of the cottage by adverse possession - a term commonly known as 'squatter's rights'. NSW Supreme Court Justice Francois Kunc found in May that Mr Paul was the rightful owner. He concluded that none of Mr Saric's heirs were entitled to the cottage as nobody had made a claim for it and the 40-year limitation period had ended in 2009. 'What has been proven is that Mr Paul arranged Mr Saric's funeral and then treated Mr Saric's fibro cottage at Gymea Bay as his (Mr Paul's) for the next nearly 50 years until his own death in 2018,' Justice Kunc said. The house in Gymea Bay in Sydney's Sutherland shire eventually sold for $1.5million and the owner's family got nothing Mr Saric died of cancer in July 1968 when he was in his mid-40s and the divorcee did not leave a will and had lost contact with his family. Justice Kunc said Mr Saric had died 'without family and, perhaps, friends'. Mr Paul took it upon himself to notify the authorities of the death and then held a funeral a couple of days later. The judge ruled Mr Paul did all the things a homeowner might do: he insured the house, paid rates and electricity bills, and split the cost of a fence with a neighbour. Mr Paul even rented out the house from at least 1995. The court found it was 'highly unlikely that Mr Paul would have let the cottage fall into disrepair'. In his ruling, 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 he said there was no evidence to this effect. Justice Kunc found 'the precise nature of Mr Saric's relationship with the late Mr Ross Paul is not apparent from the evidence'. Macquarie Law School Professor Cathy Sherry told the Sydney Morning Herald this was 'a fairly typical adverse possession case.' She said it showed how 'people can lose track of land, and can lose track of relatives'. The court heard Mr Saric may have been survived by his mother and at least one sibling. Ms Sherry said there was 'no doubt' after Mr Saric's death his family would have had a claim to the house, but 'like all claims to land, there's a time limit and they didn't assert it in the necessary period of time'. The judge ruled Mr Paul did all the things a homeowner might do: he insured the house, paid rates and electricity bills, and split the cost of a fence with a neighbour Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona sent the media into a frenzy after a since-deleted post to social media suggesting he'd exited Kamala Harris' search for a vice presidential nominee. Kelly, seen by many as one of the favorites to get the nod, wrote on X Sunday evening: 'I spent my life in the Navy and at NASA, where the mission always comes first. Now, my mission is serving Arizonans'. The 'serving Arizonans' line made many speculate that meant he'd lost his chance to take Harris' former slot on the ticket after he, Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota were scheduled for in-person interviews earlier in the day. However, Kelly - a former astronaut - got rid of the post within 30 minutes of publishing and soon replaced it with another. '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,' he wrote. Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona sent the media into a frenzy after a since-deleted post to social media suggesting he'd exited Kamala Harris ' search for a vice presidential nominee A spokesperson for Kelly said that this wasn't meant to suggest anything in his own post later in the evening. Jacob Peters wrote: 'An Arizona senator tweeting about being an Arizona senator is not news! Go back to your Sundays everybody!' 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. Pages of documents submitted by each of the candidates have been collated by a group of lawyers led by former Attorney General Eric Holder and former White House counsel Dana Remus into briefing books, CNN reports. They are currently being waded through by Harris along with the team who will support her VP which has already been selected and includes a former Biden aide. The Harris campaign is also planning a social media announcement featuring the duo, officials familiar with the arrangements told Reuters. The Vice President and her selection will embark on a battleground tour next week with stops in seven swing states from Pennsylvania to Nevada. The short list of candidates reportedly includes Kelly, Shapiro, Walz, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. Kelly is seen as one of the favorites in the race to become Kamala Harris' running mate Harris met with Buttigieg for 90 minutes on Friday. The candidates will be informed on Monday night or Tuesday morning whether they were picked, the sources said. Suggestions have been pouring in from all corners including the likes of former president Barack Obama, which will be taken into considering along with a thorough interview process CNN reports. Advice has been flooding in from all corners, including from her government chief of staff Lorraine Voles or her brother-in-law Tony West or campaign chair Jen O'Malley Dillon, who helped Biden pick Harris in 2020 has been weighing in with advice. The influence of Harris' husband Doug Emhoff is also said to be heavily underestimated. Harris reportedly values the way she was welcomed into president Joe Biden's family shortly after her selection and understands the importance of making a personal connection in addition to her typical pragmatic approach. Harris' decision to kick off the tour in Pennsylvania has triggered speculation that her VP might be Shapiro. Her team insists she is still deciding, but a tweet from Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker appeared to confirm he was the choice. 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. Russian spies could be flying drones over UK military bases to gain information about Britain's secret training programme for Ukrainian soldiers, it has been revealed. Russian intelligence has shown 'significant' interest in Operation Interflex, the British-led multinational plan to train and support Ukraine's armed forces, according to a guide handed out to British soldiers. The Field Army Threat Handbook, published late last year, warns that Russian intelligence services 'routinely employ' reconnaissance capabilities to 'collect on UK land activities, including the training of armed forces of Ukraine personnel'. The handbook claims this involves the use of 'remotely piloted aircraft systems, mobile and foot surveillance, virtual and physical approaches to training providers and interest from investigative journalists'. 'This government takes the security of our military establishments very seriously,' a Ministry of Defence spokesperson told The Times. 'There are a range of robust measures to protect our people and sites.' Ukrainian soldiers train in Imber, Wiltshire with British soldiers as part of Operation Interflex British troops (left), lead a patrol of Ukrainian soldiers during an exercise on Salisbury Plain A Russian Orlan-10 unmanned aerial vehicle or UAV at a military expo in August 2022 The Ministry of Defence has been working with Ukraine's military to train recruits in urban warfare, as part of its Operation Interflex, since July 2022. By June of last year, the Army reported it was on track to train 37,000 recruits, with the war effort desperately calling for battle-ready soldiers to replenish frontlines. Interflex, the successor to Operational Orbital - similar in function - is billed as a five-week course designed to turn ordinary Ukrainian citizens into highly skilled warriors. But with the Kremlin warning Ukraine's Western allies not to interfere, and threatening Britain over its materiel support, British soldiers have been told to be aware of potential Russian snooping. The handbook given to soldiers warns agents have already approached trainers to gain information on the programme, The Times reports. It also warns of 'vulnerable locations' including training areas and key logistical sites. In May, then-Home Secretary James Cleverly revealed plans to 'target and dismantle Russian intelligence gathering operations' in what was seen as one of the most significant steps of its kind since the end of the Cold War. Cleverly unmasked the Russian defence attache, Colonel Maxim Elovik, as a top spy and said he would be immediately expelled from the UK. He also announced that a series of diplomatic premises suspected of being spy bases would lose their special legal status. Russia responded by expelling the British defence attache in a tit-for-tat response. Putin has been increasingly belligerent over the West's support for Ukraine in recent months, going so far as to declare that the Kremlin may review its doctrine for the use of nuclear weapons in the face of perceived Western aggression in recent weeks. Speaking at the conclusion of a pair of state visits to North Korea and Vietnam, the Russian President accused Kyiv's Western partners of raising tensions even further by greenlighting the use of NATO weapons against targets on Russian soil. He also accused Western countries of 'lowering the threshold' for the use of nuclear devices against Russia - a charge for which he provided no evidence. These alleged developments led the 71-year-old autocrat to conclude Moscow must now consider updating its nuclear doctrine in preparation for atomic warfare, announcing that defeat in Ukraine would mean 'the end of Russia's statehood'. 'It means the end of the 1,000-year history of the Russian state. I think this is clear to everyone... Isn't it better to go all the way, until the end?' he asked rhetorically. Ukrainian soldiers train during a visit by Swedish Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, to a military training camp in East Anglia in the UK as part of Operation Interflex, November 2023 Ukrainian soldiers take part in an exercise run by Britain's armed forces in February Last week, Russia carried out the third stage of nuclear tests, with troops photographed practicing installing dummy warheads onto launchers. The Russian Defence Ministry said the drills would prepare the army and air force for the combat use of non-strategic nuclear weapons. Moscow has claimed Putin ordered the drills tactical nuclear drills to 'cool the hot heads in Western capitals'. It followed French President Emmanuel Macron hinting at sending European troops to fight in Ukraine earlier this year. Former British Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron also said Kyiv had the right to use weapons provided by London to strike targets inside Russia. Both statements infuriated warmonger Putin who is struggling to make significant progress in his invasion of Ukraine. A major Australian real estate agency has apologised after one of its franchises introduced a 'Tenant of the Month' award, sparking a backlash from renters who labelled it 'degrading'. To be eligible for the award, tenants with the Ray White agency had to consistently pay rent on time, keep the property in good condition, and be 'pleasant' to interact with. However the award has been widely slammed, with tenant's rights activist Jordan van den Lamb labelling it as 'condescending'. 'Renters don't need to be competing with each other to survive, which is what this award seems to be encouraging people to do,' he said. 'Housing is a human right and it doesn't require you to be pleasant.' Mr van den Lamb believes that the real estate agency's emphasis on being 'pleasant' might stop tenants from complaining when repairs are needed. 'Agents often consider unpleasantness as asking for basic repairs to be done,' he said. 'They are insinuating you should keep quiet.' The post (pictured) that triggered outrage among many Aussies for being 'humiliating' and 'degrading' A Ray White spokesperson apologised for any offence caused by the award. 'We value all our tenants and always strive to create a respectful and inclusive community,' they told Daily Mail Australia. Ray White is a franchised network with 1,000 offices and 13,000 members. A Tenants Union spokesperson said the real estate industry needed to treat renters with more respect. 'We pay tens of thousands of dollars a year in rent, we should expect a level of service and respect that reflects this, not an arbitrary determination of being a pleasure to deal with.' Mr van den Lamb said the current situation for renters is extremely difficult, and that more needed to be done to protect tenants. 'People can't afford their rent,' he said. 'And if they can, the standard is terrible. 'We are paying a lot of money to access something that is substandard.' His comments come as national rents remained unchanged over the June 2024 quarter at $600 per week, but this marks a 9.1 per cent increase, or $50 more, since the same time last year, according to REA Group's PropTrack Rental Report for June. New rental listings on Realestate.com.au were 4.7 per cent lower in June compared to a year earlier, which was the lowest since 2010. While total listings increased by more than 10 per cent in the June quarter, conditions remained tight with total stocks 4.4 per cent lower year-on-year. Sydney fared the worst during the June quarter as renters faced the lowest supply of available properties for the month in more than a decade, with new rental listings declining by 2.8 per cent and total rentals down by 4.8 per cent. What Aussies are saying about Ray White's tenant of the month award 'Honestly, how humiliating for the tenants. How condescending, it gives full ick vibes.' 'So condescending.' 'This is so degrading! WTF is this primary school?' 'They're not children, it's a business transaction. TBH this couple must feel really stupid.' 'Are they getting gold stars on a wall chart? The Australian rental market treats people like children.' Advertisement Despite recording an increase in vacancy rates to 1.7 per cent, median advertised rents in the Sydney rose by $60 to top the nation at $740 a week. It was not much better for NSW's regional renters with listings contracting by 19 per cent over the year, resulting in tougher competition between prospective renters. Melbourne's rental supply remained tight in June as 16.8 per cent fewer new listings hit the market over the year, but total listings remained relatively stagnant. The rental vacancy rate grew by 0.34 per cent over the quarter to reach a 12-month high of 1.5 per cent but that also signalled a rise in median rents to $575 a week, a $55 increase from a year prior. While rentals in regional Victoria tightened and new and total listings declined, prices remained unchanged at $450 a week. New rental listings on Realestate.com.au were 4.7 per cent lower in June compared to a year earlier, the lowest June level since 2010 Brisbane renters faced a sunnier outlook as market conditions eased over the June quarter, bringing with it a growing rental supply and listings while competition eased. Vacancy rates rose to 1.2 per cent over the quarter and median rents for both Brisbane and regional Queensland sat at $620 per week. Adelaide and Perth experienced an increase in rental supplies and also increases to their asking rents as conditions eased across both markets. The median rent for Adelaide in the June quarter rose to $570 while Perth had an advertised median rent of $650. Rental asking prices in Canberra remained stagnant at $600 over the year to June despite tighter supply and growing demand. Ideals behind the Uluru Statement are still guiding the Federal Government despite the Prime Minister effectively ruling out a formal treaty and truth-telling commission, the Indigenous Minister says. While setting up a Makarrata Commission, or truth-telling body, was one of the cornerstones of the 2017 statement, Anthony Albanese has backed its ideals but moved away from setting up a formal body. Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy said the government was still committed to improving outcomes for First Nations people. 'We are not moving away from our commitment to the Uluru Statement from the Heart in terms of our love and our support for all of those who gathered (at Uluru) in 2017,' she told ABC TV on Monday. Senator McCarthy said Indigenous Australians still needed time to come to terms with the loss of the voice referendum in 2023. Setting up an Indigenous voice to federal parliament was one of the three elements of the Uluru Statement, along with a Makarrata Commission and treaty. Ten months on from the referendum defeat, Senator McCarthy said bipartisan support was needed for advancing outcomes for Indigenous people. 'This was clearly a soul-shattering event... people are still recovering from that,' she said. Prime Minister Anthony Albaneseand Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy Mr Albanese said talking with Indigenous organisations and people was the best way to engage with First Nations people. 'It was deeply traumatising for First Nations people who largely voted "yes", especially in the northern parts of the country.' Mr Albanese said talking with Indigenous organisations and people was the best way to engage with First Nations people. He said at the Garma festival, Australia's largest Indigenous gathering, he was focused on finding 'new ambition, energy and determination' to work with the Indigenous community, rather than 'rake through the ashes' of the failed vote. 'We do this understanding that the change so many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been seeking and advocating for years, decades, even lifetimes was not defined or determined by one day,' he said. 'It has always been about positive, practical and lasting change in people's lives and in the life of our nation.' It comes as Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman said an historic apology at the festival for Northern Territory police injustices inflicted on First Nations people would lose its significance if not matched by a cultural shift within the force. Mr Sivaraman acknowledged it was a vital step towards improving police relations in the territory, but added 'words can only go so far'. 'Change must now be embedded throughout the entire police force and the structures set up within it... I hope this cultural shift is being driven by the very top of the police force,' he said. A commitment must be made to independent investigations of recent actions by serving members of the NT Police, such as the coming review into systemic racism by the NT's Anti-Discrimination Commission, Mr Sivaraman said. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss agreed the apology was 'necessary and symbolic', but said the force also needed to reckon with the injustices that continued 'to this day'. Mountains of baggage cover the floors of Heathrow airport as airline bosses battle to clear the backlog after torrential rain and thunder in Europe caused chaos for passengers on the weekend. The storms led to air traffic control restrictions across Europe last week impacting up to 10,000 holiday-makers, as British Airways was forced to cancel at least 60 flights, including planes headed for Toulouse and Milan. Other airports were affected by the awful weather, including London City Airport where British Airways grounded flights to Palma, Glasgow and Berlin, and Gatwick where services to Agadir and Crete were cancelled. The pictures from Heathrow's Terminal 5 show mountains of backlogged suitcases at baggage claim and check-in. Pictures from Heathrow's Terminal 5 show mountains of backlogged suitcases Airline bosses are battling to clear the backlog after torrential rain and thunder in Europe caused chaos for passengers on the weekend Passengers on social media have complained about delays at baggage claim and missing luggage In a social media post directed at British Airways on Sunday, a concerned passenger said: 'We are yet to find our missing luggage. We flew from Heathrow to Abuja yesterday. 'Arriving Abuja this morning we could not find one of our checked in luggage. The luggage was checked in by one of your officers yesterday at Heathrow terminal 5.' On Saturday, another wrote: 'So we have travelled to Bangkok & Singapore & our luggage is still with at Terminal 5 at Heathrow. Exactly where it was on Thursday evening. The storms led to air traffic control restrictions across Europe last week impacting up to 10,000 holiday-makers, as British Airways was forced to cancel at least 60 flights, including planes headed for Toulouse and Milan A spokesperson for British Airways said: 'Our teams have been working hard to sort, fly and courier the bags of customers impacted by the disruption to them as quickly as possible' 'Frustratingly we knew that it was just 20 metres from us when we tried to have it released from baggage at Terminal 5.' A spokesperson for British Airways told MailOnline: 'Like all airlines, we experience disruption to our flights last week due to air traffic control restrictions as a result of adverse weather across the UK and Europe, which was outside of our control. 'Our teams have been working hard to sort, fly and courier the bags of customers impacted by the disruption to them as quickly as possible.' Couple on the cusp of buying dream home got scammed A couple on the cusp of buying their dream home lost half a million dollars after a hacker tricked them into transferring their money over to them. The Melbourne couple, one of whom works in finance and IT, transferred $500,000 to a cunning scammer who hacked into their conveyancer's web server. They believed the email had been sent by their conveyancer, a specialist lawyer, and therefore had no problem sending the money to an unfamiliar bank account. Only later did they receive a call from their conveyancer who told them that no such transfer had ever been requested. 'My stomach immediately dropped. I explained that the request had come from her email account, but she said she hadn't sent it,' the couple told realestate.com.au. 'She checked her emails and found nothing, so within a couple of hours I was at the police station reporting that we had been scammed. 'There was immediate panic, stress and tears and I said to my husband, "I've ruined our lives. Thats all of our money gone". There were a lot of tears.' The couple's bank and the one used by the scammer refused to accept liability and police said the money had already been transferred into crypto currency and was therefore untraceable. A Melbourne couple have been scammed out of half a million dollars after receiving an email they thought was from their specialist lawyer asking for the cash The pair were on the cusp of buying their dream home when one of them noticed their mistake. 'I said to my husband: "I've ruined our lives"' Police confirmed it was the couple's broker who had been compromised by the hackers and that the IP address associated with the fake email came from overseas. The couple are still waiting to see if their conveyancer's indemnity insurance will recoup their lost fortune since the money they sent will likely never be recovered. Scams similar to this one have been happening more often lately, according to Julijiana Todorovic, an associate at Brisbane legal firm Slater and Gordon. The 'concerning increase' has been brought about by the rapidly developing cyberfraud landscape which has been 'evolving faster than the law has been able to keep up', Ms Todorovic said. Even if the Melbourne couple's fraudster is found authorities can not do anything about it since they are not in Australia. The Australian Institute of Conveyancers (AIC) has been working with the Australian Banking Association to try and tighten up security systems to prevent more scams like this one in the future. AIC Victoria operations manager Mark Powers confirmed the industry has worked to minimise risk but not all conveyancers are members of the industry group. Sophisticated scammer have been getting more successful lately in part because of AI advancements Mr Powers blamed the rising number of scams for creating higher premiums for insurance policies for customers. David Willett, who is the chief information technology security officer at Australias largest digital conveyancy firm PEXA, said hackers are getting better because AI is getting smarter. AI has been 'beneficial to the bad guys' but mindful thinking on the part of the consumer can help people avoid falling into similar traps themselves, he added. Mr Willet urged anyone who receives an email requesting personal information with a 'sense of urgency' to think twice before following along. Hackers typically try to make their victims send money or they may ask for usernames, passwords or bank or credit card information. The ACCC's Scamwatch recorded $91.6m being stolen from Australians in 2023 in redirection scams, but Mr Willett said the true amount is likely to be much higher. Australia's terrorism threat level has been raised from possible to probable due to an increased risk of politically motivated violence - as the country's spy chief warns there is a 50 per cent chance of an attack on Australian soil in the next year. While it has not been raised due to one specific incident, it's understood there have been eight incidents in Australia investigated by security officials for alleged terrorism or possible terrorist links. The conflict in the Middle East is also understood to have exacerbated concerns by security agencies about politically motivated violence in Australia, although it is not the direct cause of the threat level rising. It's the first time the threat level has been raised since 2014 during the height of threats from terrorist group Islamic State. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the national security committee met on Monday morning to discuss the change. 'Probable does not mean inevitable and it does not mean there is intelligence about an imminent threat or danger,' Mr Albanese told reporters in Canberra. 'But the advice that we've received is that more Australians are embracing a more diverse range of extreme ideologies.' Anthony Albanese says more Australians are embracing a more diverse range of extreme ideologies (pictured alongside ASIO chief Mike Burgess) 'Governments around the world are concerned about youth radicalisation, online radicalisation and the rise of new mixed ideologies.' The Prime Minister said that it was 'our responsibility to be vigilant' but sought to reassure Australians by reiterating that the same threat level was in place for over eight years before it was lowered in November of 2022. ASIO director-general Mike Burgess said Australia's national security environment had become more volatile. 'There's a greater than 50 per cent chance of an onshore terrorist attack in the next 12 months,' he said. 'Attacks are likely to happen with little or no warning and will be difficult to detect.' He said said more Australians were embracing more extreme ideologies and using violence to achieve their cause. 'Politically motivated violence now joins espionage and foreign interference as our principal security concerns,' he said. 'Unfortunately, here and overseas, we are seeing spikes in political polarisation and intolerance and civil debate and un-peaceful protests.' Mr Burgess said anti-authority beliefs were also growing along with a decline in trust in democratic institutions. 'This trend increased during COVID, gained further momentum after the terrorist attacks in Israel and accelerated during Israel's military response,' he said. 'The (Middle East) conflict has fuelled grievances, promoted protest, exacerbated division, undermined social cohesion and elevated intolerance.' There were also concerns of multiple extremist beliefs being combined to create hybrid ideologies. ASIO director-general Mike Burgess said more Australians were embracing more extreme ideologies and using violence to achieve their cause The director-general said lone actors were the most likely style of terror attack, often using rudimentary weapons in a crowded or public place. Mr Burgess also noted that a large number of young people were being radicalised. 'Extremist ideologies, conspiracies, misinformation are flourishing in the online ecosystem and young Australians are particularly vulnerable,' he said. Mr Burgess said that the situation in Gaza was a 'significant driver' of the terror alert increase but not the sole cause. 'It's driven more emotion and heat into society,' Mr Burgess said. He added: 'There's plenty of anti-Semitism but there's plenty of Islamophobia at the same time. It's almost equal treatment, not quite, but almost equal treatment.' Mr Burgess said ASIO and his law enforcement colleagues were 'reviewing our caseload of assessed violent extremists'. 'Many of those we assess do have awful ideologies, but are unlikely to go to violence in this environment, it's important that we retest those assessments we've made to make sure we're paying attention to the people we know about,' he said. 'Of course, it's the people I don't know about that I worry the most.' After nearly twenty years of secrecy, a group of treasure hunters are finally getting candid about a centuries-old pirate shipwreck they discovered 2,700 feet down in the Mediterranean. Florida-based company Odyssey Marine Exploration say they found a roughly 45-feet-long vessel back in 2005 that was once manned by Barbary corsairs, Muslim pirates and privateers who operated off the coast North Africa and often attacked European ships. A detailed analysis hasn't yet been done on the ship's wooden hull, which could reveal when it was constructed and how long it was in service. However, pottery and glassware found on board suggest it may have sunk around 1760, according to Sean Kingsley, editor-in-chief of Wreckwatch magazine, an outlet that examines shipwrecks. 'Most of the pottery has exact parallels in the 18th-century ceramics excavated during rescue work in Martyrs' Square in Algiers,' Kingsley told Newsweek. 'The Ottoman bowls on the wreck stopped being made in Turkey around 1755. The tightest dating comes from the glass bottles that were blown, at latest, 1740-1760. So the ship can't postdate 1760.' Pottery and other artifacts found in the shipwreck of a pirate ship from the city of Algiers dating back to the mid-1700s The wreck found in international waters between Morocco and Spain was linked to Algiers, the present-day capital city of Algeria. But several centuries ago, the city was known as the hub for Barbary Coast piracy. 'The threat of Algiers' corsairs was an everyday terror for the West,' said Greg Stemm, director of Seascape Artifact Exhibits Inc. and former chairman of Odyssey. 'The shipwreck found in deep waters is a precious echo of one of the western Mediterranean's great maritime horrors,' Stemm added. From the 1500s all the way until 1830 when the French invaded, Algiers was a tributary state to the Ottoman Empire. It also attracted Muslim refugees from Spain and Christian converts to Islam who dreamed of getting rich through piracy. Greg Stemm, director of Seascape Artifact Exhibits Inc. and former chairman of Odyssey 'Less famous than the pirates of the Caribbean, the corsair capital of Algiers turned to piracy far earlier and was a much bigger business,' Kingsley said. 'From 1525 to 1830, an entire city of 60,000 'rogues and renegades' lived by the sword.' He added that barbary pirates raided as far as southern England. 'Not only did they take your wealth, they enslaved anyone caught to ransom back for a heavy fee. It was an atrocity of everyday life that Western traders had to gamble with,' Kingsley said. This specific shipwreck was found by Odyssey accidentally. Their main objective was unearthing a British Royal Navy ship, the 80-gun HMS Sussex, which was lost in a storm in 1694. Odyssey has had its fair share of controversy in the past for taking valuable treasure from shipwrecks it's discovered in the past. It found the 1804 wreck of the Nuestra Senora de las Mercedes, a Spanish warship, in 2007. Odyssey initially raked in a $600 million haul, pulling 17 tons of gold and silver coins from the vessel, but after a prolonged court battle, the Spanish government was given the right to retake the treasure. The coins are now on display in the National Museum of Subaquatic Archaeology in Cartagena. A 1681 painting by Flemish painter Laureys a Castro depicting a sea battle between European ships and Barbary corsairs An illustration shows enslaved Christians seized by corsairs arriving in the port of Algiers to be ransomed Pictured: The coins Odyssey found on board the 1804 wreck of the Nuestra Senora de las Mercedes, a Spanish warship. These coins are on display in a Spanish museum following a long court battle between Odyssey and the Spanish government over who had the rightful claim Odyssey's 250-foot-long research served as the base to study the corsair shipwreck originating from Algiers, and the team used a remotely operated vehicle equipped with archaeology tools to comb through the debris. Kingsley explained that this discovery is significant because it marks the first wreck that has artifacts - pottery, glassware and heavy weaponry - that can be directly tied to Algiers. 'The wrecked corsair ship was very heavily armed with muskets, four large cannon and 10 swivel guns. When the captain ran into trouble, these antipersonnel weapons could be quickly installed for attacking crews in the rigging and on decks,' Kingsley said. Only a third of the hull has survived above the seabed, primarily because of damage caused by Mediterranean 'shipworms' (a type of saltwater clam). The site has not been fully excavated yet, but Odyssey believes the whole length of the ship all the way down to the keel is intact beneath the sand. It is thought that the pirate ship was traveling to Spain on a mission to raid ships and take slaves for ransom at the time of its sinking. 'The small ship almost certainly succumbed to a storm that came out of nowhere,' Kingsley said. 'The bold and brave corsair was punching above its weight in unforgiving seas.' An Airbnb listing has been removed after a guest revealed the 'genuinely insane' decor inside. TikTok user Erica posted a video from the southern home that she was staying at last week, showing decorations that included cotton bouquets, cotton branches and cotton wreaths hanging on a wall with monkeys dangling down. She wrote it was 'Southern Airbnb core' in the video that has since been viewed more than 2.2million times - as viewers express their exasperation. 'Not the Get Out sequel set up,' one user commented. An Airbnb guest shared some of the apparently racist decor from the house she was staying at The decor appeared to harken back to the days of slavery, when millions were forced to pick cotton on plantations. According to the National Parks Service, about 1.8million of the nation's 3.2million enslaved people were growing and picking cotton by 1850. Ten years later, enslaved labor produced over two billion pounds of cotton each year. In Virginia - where the Airbnb was apparently located, based on a map depicted inside - 550,000 enslaved black people constituted one-third of the state's population by 1860, according to the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. The majority of the inhabitants in some of Virginia's eastern counties were held in bondage, and the state later joined the Confederates in the Civil War. Erica W., who is on TikTok as @tasteofmelanin, said Airbnb told her they removed the listing At around the same time period, many Americans believed in the idea of polygenesis - the separate origin for the races, which they felt made white people more superior, The Conversation reports. Many TikTok users could not believe the setup at the Airbnb. 'THE MONKEYS ON THE COTTON IS DIABOLICAL,' one user commented on her video. Some viewers also urged Erica to report the listing to Airbnb. 'Report to Airbnb IMMEDIATELY,' one person wrote, while another said she should take pictures - calling the decor 'genuinely insane.' The decorations included stuffed monkeys hanging from cotton branches The imagery appeared to harken back to the days of slavery, when slaves were forced to pick cotton 'Ya'll cotton decor is so normalized in the south it gives me anxiety every time,' another added. 'Hey! so this is insane,' someone else wrote. 'This is wicked,' said another. Erica later commented on the video: 'Update: Airbnb reached out and removed the listing.' DailyMail.com has reached out to Airbnb for comment. Army opens fire after suspicious movement of infiltrators along LoC in Jammu and Kashmir The Army on Monday opened fire after noticing suspicious movement along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Akhnoor and Sunderbani sectors of Jammu & Kashmir. Officials said that the Army opened fire after noticing suspicious movement of two groups of infiltrators along the LoC in the Akhnoor sector of the Jammu district and the Sunderbani sector of Rajouri district. No firing exchanges took place in these areas. A massive search operation has been started at both places to ensure that no infiltrator manages to sneak into our side of the LoC, officials said. High alert is being maintained all along the 740-Km long LoC and the 1216-Km long International Border in J&K following reports of the presence of a group of hardcore foreign mercenaries in the hilly districts of Jammu division. Army has deployed over 4,000 soldiers drawn from the elite Para commandos and highly trained soldiers in mountain warfare in the Jammu division to combat terrorism. These soldiers have been deployed along with the troops of the CRPF in the hilly districts of Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Kathua, Reasi and Udhampur districts. In addition to this, village defence committees (VDCs) of civilians volunteering to fight terrorism are also being equipped with automatic weapons and other logistic and strategic support to shrink the hiding spaces of the terrorists. The terrorists have carried out hit-and-run attacks on the Army, paramilitary troopers and civilians. These attacks have remained focused around the hilly, rugged mountainous areas of the Jammu division where terrorists disappear into densely forested and foliaged areas near the spot of the attack. To hunt the terrorists down, massive cordon and search operations are carried out almost on a daily basis in these areas. Over 50 suspects believed to be harbourers, sympathisers and over-ground workers (OGWs) of the terrorists have been arrested. At least two of these suspects have confessed to having accompanied the terrorists when they carried out terror attacks. READ MORE: Grim name of the river bend where tourist was taken by a crocodile in front of his family is revealed Do you know more? Email tips@dailymail.com Conservationist says killer croc was known by locals Bob Katter has blasted 'inner-city imbeciles' and 'ignorant wildlife warriors', warning they will have blood on their hands if they continue to block his calls for an urgent crocodile cull in the nation's far north. The MP's spray comes after a 40-year-old NSW man was killed by crocodile near Cooktown, in Far North Queensland, as his horrified family watched on. The man had been fishing on the bank of the Annan River, about 320km north of Cairns, with his wife and children when he fell into the muddy waters about 2.10pm on Saturday and failed to resurface. It is believed he was snatched by a 4.9metre male saltwater crocodile which inhabits that stretch of the waterway - known to locals as 'Crocodile Bend' - and dragged to his death at the bottom of the river. Extensive searches by police and emergency services have so far failed to locate his remains and his traumatised family remain in Cooktown as investigations continue. The crocodile believed to be responsible for the attack was shot and killed by Queensland wildlife rangers on Monday. Mr Katter, whose Kennedy electorate includes a vast swathe of north Queensland, described the incident as a tragedy but insisted the killer croc should never have been permitted to take up residence so close to a township. He blamed 'do-gooder southerners' for allowing the deadly reptiles to grow 'completely unchecked' and terrorise waterways across the state's north - and warned more lives would be lost unless their numbers were brought under control. A 40-year-old NSW man was killed by crocodile near Cooktown, in Far North Queensland , as his horrified family watched on. Pictured: Wildlife rangers set up a croc trap in the Annan River It is believed he was snatched by a 4.5metre male saltwater crocodile (stock image pictured) which inhabits that stretch of the waterway - known to locals as 'Crocodile Bend 'This is an absolute tragedy where a man has been killed by a crocodile in front of his loving wife and two young children,' he said. 'His widow has lost her husband and their children are now going to have to grow up without a father. 'And it's all because these entitled, inner-city imbeciles - surrounded by their concrete canyons and colossal buildings - think they know more about crocodiles than the people who live here. 'These wokies, they tell us we aren't allowed cull crocodiles - well, that's just insane. 'They think a crocodile's life is worth more than a human's life - what a disturbing loss of human values. 'You big city wokies, you don't know what you're doing. You're the ones responsible for this attack - it's not the crocodile - it's you.' Crocodiles were awarded protected species status in Australia in 1971 amid an alarming drop in numbers as they were hunted almost close to extinction But their populations have since recovered, with between 20,000 and 30,000 crocodiles now inhabiting Queensland's waterways. MP Bob Katter has called for an urgent cull of crocodiles in the state's north Mr Katter, who has been calling for a cull for years, said an ongoing rise in Queensland's crocodile population had forced the prehistoric predators closer and closer to the region's major towns and cities. 'Crocodiles are incredibly dangerous and there is an incredible ignorance about just how many of them we have here,' he said. 'A crocodile mother lays about 60 eggs a year and the numbers are exploding. 'For thousands of years, native Australians kept the population in check, but now these ignorant wokies have thrown the entire ecosystem out of balance.' Not everyone agrees, with the incident sparking a fierce feud over the fate of the suspected killer crocodile. Cooktown wildlife conservationist Beau Peberdy said the reptile was well-known and liked among locals. 'This is an animal everyone here knows,' he said. 'He's been in that section of the river for at least 20 years and you can often see him up on the bank with two females. 'A lot of people are now expressing concerns about him being shot because he opportunistically fed on something in his native habitat without knowing what it was.' A monster male croc inhabits a stretch of the Annan River, known as 'Crocodile Bend' He said the large male was at least 40 years old and would have been extraordinarily quick to pounce on anything to slip into the river. 'If you fell in the water and he was on the other side of the river system, you wouldn't have time to break the water, let alone get out,' he said. 'There's nothing you could do.' Mr Peberdy said he was against any suggestion of a cull - and that the majority of Queensland's crocodiles - about 80 per cent - were found in the sparsely populated reaches at the top of Cape York and unlikely to interact with humans. Police have not confirmed where in NSW the tourist who was taken by the crocodile is from or the age of the victim's children. A Cooktown resident claimed the crocodile had associated people with food as some locals were feeding it roadkill further upstream. 'People throw roadkill in for it to eat and he could have been sitting there 15ft under the water waiting for a feed,' the local told the Cairns Post. 'We have had a bit of rain so the bank would be soft and even if he wasn't near the edge it could have fallen away beneath him. 'It's just horrendous and everyone is feeling about the family, to watch that happen in front of you is unthinkable.' Police declined to comment on speculation that members of the public had been feeding crocodiles in the vicinity. 'While the circumstances of this matter are yet to be confirmed, we remind everyone that Cooktown is known 'Croc Country' and urge everyone to be safe by practising 'CrocWise' behaviour,' a Queensland environment department spokesperson said. A Tesla driver has shared how a series of unfortunate events left her stranded on the side of the road. The Model 3 driver was left stuck when the EV label a blue triangular badge fell off her license plate and punctured the rear right tyre. The label serves as a safety measure for emergency responders in the event of an accident involving an electric vehicle, ensuring the appropriate steps are taken to prevent any potential hazards due to the car's large battery. However, the driver not only suffered a flat tyre from her car's EV label but also had to call a tow truck because Tesla vehicles are not fitted with a spare wheel. 'What are the odds. I vote for circular, EV number plate badges,' she wrote on social media. The driver explained this was the second time she needed to have her EV towed due to a flat tyre. 'I needed to get two new rear tyres last time and arrange overnight accommodation as they couldn't match the originals unless I wanted to wait three days in Bairnsdale on a trip back from Melbourne. An expensive exercise,' she wrote. Many Aussies slammed Tesla for not providing a spare tyre with all its models. 'Crazy that these have to be towed due to no spare - I know that most modern cars are doing this, but it's actually just nuts,' one said. A Tesla driver had her Model 3 towed after the 'EV' badge fell off her license plate and punctured her tyre and she did not have a spare 'They should give a spare tyre for such instances. So you can just change the tyre and be on the way.' Other social media users explained Tesla provided a roadside service that assisted them when they suffered a flat tyre. 'Recently had a flat, the car recognised it right away and contacted Tesla service,' one said. 'They sent out a tow truck with a spare. Took about 40 min for them to get there and put it on.' The majority of EVs do not come with spares due to extra weight they add to the vehicle and amount of space the tyre takes up. 'The reason is that it's hard to get enough physical clearance over the brake to fit a spare wheel. These big and huge spare wheels are also very heavy and extra weight costs range in an EV,' explained Tom Baker, editor of ChasingCars.com.au. 'For people based in metropolitan areas, within easy reach of roadside assistance and replacement tyres, that isn't necessarily a major problem.' Mr Baker suggested that one solution is to purchase a spare tyre through an electric vehicle dealer. 'This set can then be placed in the boot of your vehicle but this takes up a lot of space, and can be a major hazard if not tied down adequately,' he said. A young girl has been seriously injured after a truck and two cars collided on a major highway in Western Australia. Emergency services were called to Tonkin Hwy near Perth Airport after a Volvo truck and two cars collided near the intersection of Dunreath Rd. The three-year-old girl, who was travelling in a Mazda 3, was rushed to Perth Children's Hospital in a serious condition. A toddler has been seriously injured after a road truck and two vehicles collided on Tonkin Hwy, Western Australia. Picture: Google Maps A second child was also taken to Perth Children's Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and two other woman aged in their 30s were taken to Royal Perth Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police, St John WA paramedics and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services attended the scene of the serious collision. Major crash officers are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Businesses in Sydney's CBD are struggling to break even NSW government workers will return to the office Tuesday All public servants in NSW who currently work from home will be made to return to the office as businesses continue to struggle across Sydney's CBD. Premier Chris Minns announced that anyone employed by the government who is still working from home will be made to return to the office from Tuesday. The announcement was made in a government-wide memorandum to all departments on Monday. Businesses in the CBD have been struggling to break even since residents started working from home during the Covid pandemic. The new rules from the premier's department dictate that public servants will now be expected to work from approved office spaces every day of the working week. Limited flexibility will still be permitted in cases of job-share arrangements or compressed hours, but most workers will return to the office full-time. The memorandum warned that existing work-from-home arrangements, which were introduced in 2019, 'should not be taken for granted or considered unlimited'. 'The more our experience of work is shared, the more united we become. This means being physically present in our organisations,' it continued. NSW Premier Chris Minns has issued a government wide memorandum that all public servants must return to the office from Tuesday The new rules stem from businesses throughout Sydney's CBD struggling to break even since people started working from home during the pandemic Public servants who wish to work from home will now have to provide reasons why their hybrid arrangements are needed, which will then require formal approval. This approval will be reviewed regularly. Public servants who want to work outside of the state will also need approval from the head of their department. A follow-up email from the NSW Premier's Department secretary Simon Draper confirmed that worker's attendance at the office will be required across the entire week. 'The NSW public sector is the largest workforce in the country,' he wrote. 'All positions play a vital role in delivering services to the community and upholding good government in NSW.' Executive director of Business Sydney, Paul Nicolaou, celebrated the news. 'This is fantastic news and great leadership by the Premier,' he said. 'Employers are telling Business Sydney we have to get really serious about getting the CBD back to its pre-Covid footing. 'The city needs more foot traffic hence more workers back to the city to support the hundreds of businesses and enterprises that depend on them.' Advertisement Police are braced for an eighth night of violence and more protests expected on Wednesday as the total number of arrests since the start of the unrest has now passed 400. Around 100 people have now been charged in relation to disturbances across towns and cities with more cases to be brought before the courts in the coming days. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said sufficient police would be on the streets to handle the riots in the coming days as he sought to reassure communities braced for more violent protests on Wednesday. Riots across a number of towns and cities have erupted following the murder of three girls in the seaside town of Southport after false messaging on social media wrongly identified the suspected killer as an Islamist migrant. It comes after police responded to disorder in Plymouth, Birmingham and Belfast last night just hours after Sir Keir declared a new 'standing army' of specialist officers to help bring rioters to justice. Our live coverage has now ended but for a full recap see below: How a mother-of-three was killed in a late-night lawnmower incident remains a mystery almost a week on from her death, with detectives continuing to piece together the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Frances Crawford, 49, was found dead at her Upper Lockyer home in southeast Queensland during the early hours of Tuesday, July 30. Emergency services were called to the rural property at 3.40am to reports that Ms Crawford had suffered critical injuries in an incident involving a ride-on mower, with paramedics arriving to find the local psychologist already deceased. Police have said they are treating the case as suspicious and have urged anyone who has information about Ms Crawford or the family to come forward. As detectives await a breakthrough in the baffling case, Daily Mail Australia looks at the key questions that remain unanswered. 1. Why was Ms Crawford mowing late at night? Temperatures in the Upper Lockyer region dropped to as low as -5C during the early hours of July 30. While some farmers mow their lawns at night to avoid the daytime heat, doing so in the middle of winter when it is freezing cold and grass growth is minimal has left locals puzzled. Frances Crawford, 49, was found dead at her home in Queensland's Upper Lockyer region last week Initial reports by local media outlets suggested police had been told Ms Crawford was crushed while moving a mower, however, this has not been confirmed by detectives. Additionally, police have also not commented on whether or not they believe Ms Crawford was using the mower at the time she sustained critical injuries. 2. How was Ms Crawford injured? Police have not shared details about their theories on what might have happened and have not revealed the nature of Ms Crawford's injuries. Speaking to media on Friday, Detective Superintendent George Marchesini said police were called to the property due to a matter 'related to a lawnmower' but would not confirm whether police believe the machine caused her injuries. 'That's part of the investigation,' he said. 'She had sustained critical injuries. There are a number of things that we need to understand better to determine what the cause was and how this has actually happened. 'We have not been able to determine a cause in regards to what was discovered at that scene, hence why we are determining this matter to be suspicious.' A police vehicle loaded with forensic equipment is seen at the rural property on Thursday morning A lawnmower was towed away from the property on Tuesday 3. What time was Ms Crawford critically injured? Police have not confirmed what time they believe Ms Crawford died, only that she was pronounced dead when paramedics arrived at 3.40am. Detective Superintendent Marchesini said she was last seen alive sometime on Monday afternoon and was believed to have attended work that day. 'The male person at the house has discovered the woman around the time and that is how police were called. A call was made to emergency services to render assistance and QPS and QAS attended that scene, but sadly, she had already passed,' he said. What we do know? Police have revealed the phone call to emergency services was made by Ms Crawford's husband, Robert, who Daily Mail Australia revealed last week is an RAAF pilot and Squadron Leader based out of Amberley. Daily Mail Australia understands Mr Crawford had returned to Australia from an overseas deployment about a week before his wife's death. Police have also revealed officers were called to the property due to issues at the home in July 2023, but no current domestic violence orders were in place. Daily Mail Australia does not suggest Mr Crawford was involved in his wife's death. Ms Crawford's death has left the local community, where she was born and raised, reeling in grief as loved ones remember her for her 'gentle nature' and 'kindness'. Police spent Thursday scouring the home for evidence, with 10 different cop cars seen arriving at the rural property - including several forensics vans. Later that day, police officially declared the case suspicious. Her husband RAAF Pilot Robert Crawford (pictured) has been assisting police with their inquiries Detective Superintendent Marchesini said Mr Crawford has been assisting police with their inquiries as they seek to better understand what happened that evening. 'We are talking with him and we have been since [she] was discovered,' he said. Detective Superintendent Marchesini also stressed that police are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident, but would like anyone who may have information to come forward. 'If [you] have knowledge of the woman and you obviously hear this information coming out this week, then we want to hear from them in relation to what they do know,' he said. Daily Mail Australia understands a lawnmower towed away from the scene on Tuesday was a Husqvarna - which come equipped with a safety feature designed to prevent the engine and blades from operating when the driver is not on the seat. However, this function can be disabled and it is unclear if it was operational on the Crawfords' mower Police have rushed to Pennant Hills High school after a suspected knife incident. Emergency services received a concern for welfare call to the school in Sydney's northwest about 12pm on Monday. A teenage girl was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics for minor injuries. Footage taken from outside the scene shows students sitting outside while police and paramedics exited the school. The school is not in lockdown. Downing Street held an emergency Cobra meeting this morning after hundreds of far right thugs were arrested in riots which saw attacks on police and buildings set alight 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. Monday's meeting involved relevant ministers and police representatives who discussed the response in the coming days to ensure Britain is brought back from the edge of nationwide chaos. Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly said this week's violence is 'clearly far-right extremism' that is 'driven by racism' and said he would have called a Cobra meeting sooner. Riots have broken out across the country fuelled by misinformation on social media since three little girls were stabbed to death at a Taylor Swift themed dance class in Southport on Monday. Hundreds of police officers have been injured in clashes with thugs, as far-right activists led the way in attacking police officers, mosques and hotels thought to house asylum seekers this week. Islamophobic chants were heard and in some areas of the country rioters were filmed stopping cars and interrogating drivers about whether they were 'white and English'. Speaking ahead of the Cobra meeting, the Home Secretary said the Government is not recalling Parliament 'right now': 'That's not what we're doing right now. What we're doing right now is keeping in close contact with MPs.' Communities are now coming together to begin the massive clean-up operation in areas including Rotherham, Middlesbrough and Tamworth. Scenes after last night's riots in Middlesbrough saw burnt out cars and debris scattered across the town Fires in Middlesbrough caused serious damage to homes and businesses over the weekend Racist graffiti was pictured in Tamworth this morning with phrases 'Get out England' and 'F*** P****' Hundreds of police officers have been injured in clashes with thugs, as far-right activists led the way in attacking police officers, mosques and hotels thought to house asylum seekers this week Islamophobic chants were heard and in some areas of the country rioters were filmed stopping cars and interrogating drivers about whether they were 'white and English' Far-right protests spread across much of England and into Northern Ireland after the deaths of three little girls, fuelled by false information on social media (Pictured: Attendees confront police in Belfast) Outside hotels in the north of England, thugs tried to force their way inside and threw chairs, bins and bricks Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly condemned arson attacks on hotels on Sky News this morning Hundreds of arrests have been made and many officers injured, with some having t be taken to hospital Riots spread from Southport across the country last week in horror scenes that have terrified communities Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to police officers tackling disorder on Britain's streets during Monday morning's emergency Cobra meeting. Police crack down on suspected rioters Police have today announced a number of arrests and charges against those suspected in participating in riots over the past week. Belfast A 53-year-old has been charged with assaulting police, resisting police and disorderly behaviour. Bernard Lavery, 34, has been charged with taking part in an unnotified public procession. Simeon Eric McCullough, 46, was charged with disorderly behaviour and resisting police. Gary Creighton, 38, was charged with possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence, possession of fireworks without a licence, and riotous behaviour. He also faced a charge of disorderly behaviour. Both were refused bail. Bristol Adrian Croft, 45, of Holywell, Flintshire, was charged with a Section 4 public order offence and possession of a Class A drug. Damien Williams, 39, of Stockwood Crescent, Knowle, was charged with a Section 4 public order offence. Both men have been bailed and will appear at Bristol Magistrates' Court on Thursday September 5. Hartlepool Carl Holliday, 30, pleaded guilty to violent disorder during a protest in Hartlepool. Tamsyn Cerr, 21, of Firby Close in Hartlepool, did not enter a plea to the same charge and was remanded in custody. Liverpool Gareth Metcalfe, 44, and John O'Malley, 43, both of Cambridge Gardens in Southport, have been charged with violent disorder after a group was seen showing aggression towards police last Tuesday. A 14-year-old boy from Toxteth has pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Liverpool city centre on Saturday after officers in Clayton Square had fireworks set off in their direction. Adam Wharton, 28, of Walton, has pleaded guilty to burglary other than a dwelling after a group entered the Spellow Hub library on County Road on Saturday. Ellis Wharton, 22, also pleaded guilty to burglary but not guilty to assault on an emergency worker. William Nelson Morgan, 69, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place. Jimmy Bailey, 45, of Cheshire, pleaded not guilty at Liverpool Magistrates' Court to violent disorder. He is accused of being involved in disorder in Paradise Street in Liverpool city centre on Saturday. Southport Derek Drummond, 58, of Southport, indicated guilty pleas to violent disorder and assault by beating of an emergency worker at Liverpool Magistrates' Court. Brian Gilby, 27, of no fixed abode, pleaded not guilty to violent disorder when he appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates Court on Monday. He pleaded guilty to a charge of burglary involving the theft of vapes during rioting. Gareth Metcalfe, 44, appeared at Liverpool Magistrates' Court charged with violent disorder. He spoke to confirm his name, address and date of birth and gave no indication of plea. John O'Malley, 43, pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Sheffield Curtis Coulson, 30, sobbed as he appeared before Sheffield Magistrates Court following disorder in South Yorkshire over the weekend. He was charged in relation to an incident outside Sheffield City Hall on Sunday in which he is alleged to have swung a stick at a woman. Stoke-on-Trent Jarrod Hollinshead, 26, of no fixed address, has been charged with using threatening or abusive words and or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. Lee Bodman, 52, from Stoke-on-Trent, has been charged with assault by beating of an emergency worker and breaching a criminal behaviour order. Sunderland Josh Kellett, 29, of Southcroft, Washington, admitted violent disorder at South Tyneside Magistrates Court on Monday. Andrew Smith, 41, also pleaded guilty to violent disorder and has been remanded in custody until the same date. Shaun Doran, 48, of Sunderland, pleaded not guilty to the same offence. Clinton Morrison, 31, of Sunderland, was remanded in custody today after being accused of violent disorder - he did not make a plea. Leanne Hodgson, 43, pleaded guilty to violent disorder after being seen on footage pushing a large bin towards a police line. Weymouth Three people were arrested and dispersal orders put in place for several teenagers. A 42-year-old man from Yeovil was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence, a 62-year-old man from Yeovil was arrested for being drunk and disorderly and a 27-year-old man from Weymouth was arrested for assault. Advertisement His official spokesman told reporters: 'The Prime Minister convened a meeting of Cobra this morning to update on the response for the disorder we've seen. This follows a series of meetings last week and over the weekend. 'Cobra was attended by the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, Home Secretary, Justice Secretary, DSIT Secretary, Attorney General, Chief Secretary and leaders from police, prison service, NCA and other senior officials. 'The PM paid tribute to the hard work of police officers over the past week and sent best wishes to those who have been injured protecting our streets. 'There have been hundreds of arrests and people are already being charged, and police will continue to update on the specifics in relation to progress or arrests and charging. 'The police are continuing to deploy additional resource around the country at strategic locations where necessary.' In response to the violence, 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. On Saturday night Spellow Lane Library in Liverpool was torched while in Sunderland local travel agents Hays Travel, known for its commitment to raising money for charity, had its storefront smashed. In Rotherham, anti-immigration rioters smashed the windows of the Holiday Inn Express before starting fires in an apparent attempt to set the building alight while dozens of people were inside it. At least 10 officers were injured there, 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. Islamophobic and racist chants were heard at multiple riots across the country, with images appearing to show some members of the mobs performing Nazi salutes. 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: 'It's our f****** country.' Video footage showed groups of youths and young men running from house to house and smashing windows and cars parked outside, throwing bricks, traffic cones and other objects. Youths also appeared to loot a branch of Iceland, with one teenager running out triumphantly while holding a bottle of Friji. And footage from a local park appeared to show a group of white men and boys with faces covered surrounding and attacking a group, with violence erupting before they fled the scene. Nearby, a Muslim leader at a mosque told community members who had turned out to protect their place of worship to 'show the world what Muslims are really like'. Addressing far-right violence in the town, he said: 'They are doing all the wrong things. We don't want to be part of it.' Other local Muslims were seen carrying tea and coffee to police officers on the front line of the town amid fierce violence from the far-right. There were 43 arrests, and significant damage was caused to the Crown Court and the University, Cleveland Police said. 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'. And in Weymouth, police said three people were arrested and dispersal orders put in place for several teenagers. A 42-year-old man from Yeovil was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence, a 62-year-old man from Yeovil was arrested for being drunk and disorderly and a 27-year-old man from Weymouth was arrested for assault. Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan said two officers were injured - one when a bottle his them in the face and a second who was punched in the head. He said: 'There were rumours circulating that asylum seekers currently housed on the Bibby Stockholm would be moved to Portland, Weymouth or the wider Dorset Council area but the Home Office have confirmed this is not the case. 'In addition, there are no asylum seekers housed in hotels in the Weymouth area.' The widespread unrest poses the biggest challenge yet to Sir Keir's 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 race riots have spread from Southport to cities including London, Leeds, Rotherham, Manchester, Blackbool, Belfast and Aldershot. It comes after Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said there would be a 'reckoning' following unrest across England, as she pledged that anyone involved in the riots will 'pay the price'. She told Sky News: 'It's a total disgrace and there has to be a reckoning. Those individuals who are involved in the disorder need to know that they will pay a price.' Hundreds of people came together in Middlesbrough on Monday to begin a huge clean-up operation Local people in Middlesbrough clear broken glass and other hazards from the scene Home Secretary Yvette Cooper appeared on the media round this morning as she condemned far-right violence Riot police officers push back violent far-right activists outside the Holiday Inn Express Hotel after attempts were made to set fire to it - with dozens thought to be inside at the time Rioters attacked police officers in Rotherham on Sunday as far-right thugs led unrest Thugs in balaclavas hurled chairs, wood and bricks at hotels on Sunday, causing thousands of pounds of damage At one of the hotels attacked on Sunday the damage was clear to see once far-right thugs had left the scene Serious damage has been done to buildings including hotels, libraries, local shops and homes since disorder started last week A police dog handler during the far-right demonstration outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham 'I've made clear to the police they have my full support in going after the full range of offenders, from those who turned up at the last minute and joined in the looting, to some of the most serious offenders who were pursuing really dangerous arson, really dangerous damage and criminal violence, because we simply cannot stand for this. 'So we should be clear, there will be people who were thinking they were going on their summer holidays this week, and instead they will face a knock on the door from the police. 'They will face arrest and... a police cell, while they wait for trial in order to make sure that they do pay the price for what they have done,' she added. Ms Cooper claimed that social media has put 'rocket boosters' under far-right organisations. But she said the courts are on 'stand-by' to ensure 'swift justice': 'We have made sure that the courts are on stand-by. We've made sure that there are additional prosecutors in place this weekend, and hundreds of arrests have already taken place. So we do expect swift justice to take place.' Scenes in Middlesbrough on Monday morning after residents wake up to the after-effects of rioting Residents saw their car windows smashed and businesses suffered attacks including arson Asked if the Army would be called upon, Ms Cooper said: 'So, the police have the expertise and also the powers in terms of dealing with public order and crime, because this is crime. 'There are also significant additional numbers of public order-trained police, who were not deployed this weekend, so there are considerable additional policing resources that forces can call upon.' Pressed on whether the Government will take action against Tommy Robinson, who has been accused of stoking tensions from afar, Ms Cooper said: 'If it's a crime offline, it's a crime online.' 'You can't just have the the armchair thuggery or the people being able to incite and organise violence and also not face consequences for this,' she added. Shadow Secretary James Cleverly said: 'The things that we have seen are completely unjustified. These are the actions of people who are clearly responding to disinformation online but are obviously motivated by racism. 'We've seen people with Swastika tattoos and making the Nazi salute... attacking people who have no link at all to the terrible incidents that we saw in Southport last week and it is absolutely right that the government is taking firm action. 'When you've people giving Nazi salutes with Swastika tattoos that is clearly far-right extremism. 'It's clearly these attacks on mosques on hotels these are clearly driven by racism and should be unequivocally condemned.' But he also criticised Starmer's new government for not reacting quickly enough: 'They could and should have been quicker, it's worrying that it's only today that cobra is meeting. A masked thug faces off with police officers at the Holiday Inn in Rotherham while fire rages in the background Members of the public with bin bags, dustpans and brushes took to the streets today Volunteers pick up rubbish and debris from outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham Racist graffiti was daubed on the side of the hotel in Tamworth and windows and doors were smashed before thugs attempted to set the building on fire with people still inside One man was filmed threatening to slit the throats of those inside the hotel 'We want to support the government taking firm action against this violence but they have to move much more quickly and they have to be more agile, more decisive. Had I still be Home Secretary I would have called a Cobra much earlier than this.' He continued: 'I'm really uncomfortable with the idea that somehow this violence reflects a wider national move. This is a group of extreme people. 'People committing arson, attacking mosques, targeting asylum hotels, they are not reflective of the country. This is a generous and open hearted country. The people in this country are not represented by the thugs that are attacking people, committing arson and targeting places of worship.' 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 Sunak's 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'. Ms Cooper slammed actions taken by rioters this week after more than 420 people were arrested, as she warned 'many more will follow' as authorities scour CCTV footage to identify all those involved. Clashes, sparked by the murder of three little girls in Southport last Monday, deteriorated further yesterday when a second migrant hotel was set ablaze in Tamworth, while hundreds cheered and clinked beers outside. In Middlesbrough far-right yobs were filmed stopping traffic to interrogate the passengers to check they were 'white and English'. Keir Starmer also waded in to warn far-Right rioters 'you'll regret taking part' as he tried to stamp his authority over the first major test of his Premiership. He blasted 'far-Right thuggery', for which he promised swift justice as he is expected to call a COBRA meeting today. Meanwhile, the Tories were forced to reprimanded Shadow Wales Secretary Lord Davies of Gower after The Mail on Sunday columnist Dan Hodges said there was 'no political justification' for the riots and Lord Davies retorted: 'Labour blocked the Rwanda Bill 130+ times, of course it's politically justified!' This comes as: ROTHERHAM: Police defend themselves as far-right thugs launch planks of wood on Sunday ROTHERHAM: Violent thugs yesterday attacked a hotel reported to be housing asylum seekers ROTHERHAM: A rioter throws blocks of concrete towards a hotel on Sunday This came after Tommy Robinson posted a video of a confrontation in Stoke and falsely claimed two 'protesters' had been stabbed 'by Muslims'. The post was viewed two million times on X. Two hours later, Staffordshire Police confirmed the information was false. Those injured were hit by something thrown by their own side. Actor Laurence Fox has also shared a string of false claims. On Friday night, he posted a list of dozens of acts of violence he alleged had been committed by immigrants under the caption: 'Anyone else had enough?' Among them was the claim that a 'woman [was] beaten to death by two Somalis while walking her dog' understood to have been a reference to last month's murder of Anita Rose, 57, in Brantham, Suffolk. Three people have been arrested in connection with the murder, but Suffolk Police last night confirmed Fox's tweet was not correct. 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. '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. A group of protesters were kept apart from counter protesters in Bolton this afternoon A fire extinguisher is sprayed at riot police in Rotherham Property is vandalised as far-right activists in Middlesbrough Thugs try to cram into the migrant hotel through a damaged fire exit in Rotherham ROTHERHAM: Police have been trying to fend off agitators outside the hotel yesterday Yvette Cooper slammed actions taken by rioters this week, as more than 420 people have been arrested, warning 'many more will follow' as authorities scour CCTV footage for criminals Starmer blasted 'far-Right thuggery', for which he promised swift justice amid another day of violent scenes nationwide. He is today expected to hold an emergency COBRA Cabinet meeting, attended by police chiefs, in a bid to ensure the crisis does not spiral further out of control. He also opened the door yesterday to tougher sentences to act as a 'deterrent', saying he will do 'whatever it takes' to crack down on the violence. He said the sentences would mirror action taken to deal with thuggery during the 2011 riots, when he was Director of Public Prosecutions. An asylum seeker who was staying at the Holiday Inn in Tamworth when it was set alight, told the Times of his terror as he was beaten up by the mob when they broke in. 'They came onto this floor and hit me until the police drove them down the corridor.' While another 55-year-old Palestinian said his window was pelted with rocks thrown at his window. 'I was taking some tea when they ran down shouting f***, f***, f***. A shirtless man was shouting and making so much noise. They broke the windows. There were eight on my floor.' While John Woodcock, a former Labour MP, called for MI6, MI5 and GCHQ to be given additional powers that would allow them to ask social media firms to take down accounts that try to 'fan the flames of British extreme actors'. Malaysia has become the first country to warn its citizens about the dangers of visiting Britain at the moment. 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.' More than 300 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. Police officers stand near the broken windows of the hotel during an anti-immigration riot ROTHERHAM: Police try to control the deplorable violence after a mob attacked a hotel A thug throws a brick at a parked car during an anti-immigration riot in Middlesbrough Police have said that there was a 'staggering' surge of violence which led to 35 people being arrested in Middlesbrough on Sunday. 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. Cleveland Police said it has now arrested 55 people because of the violence that has swept across Teesside as 20 suspects were also arrested after rioting in Hartlepool on Wednesday. Assistant Chief Constable David Felton said: 'The level of violence we have seen today is staggering. 'We know the shocking scenes across Middlesbrough today will have caused alarm amongst communities. 'I want to reassure the people of Teesside that we will continue to identify those involved in these acts of violence and arrest them and put them before the courts.' 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 rioters and police broke out, with footage showing the activists pushing against officers who had formed a human barricade. There was also an counter protest in Bolton, where it was reported that large groups of Asian men could be heard shouting 'Allahu Akbar' as they clashed with the far-right. Last night experts condemned the 'dangerous' behaviour and also called for stricter action against those spreading misinformation. Festus Akinbusoye, a former police and crime commissioner, said: 'Of course there are discussions to be had about the level of immigration, the type of immigration and issues like integration. 'But misinformation and xenophobic narratives are wrong, irresponsible and dangerous. These actions are having real world consequences and the people spreading dangerous lies need to be brought to book.' 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 yesterday A man is detained as Far-right activists hold a demonstration in Middlesbrough An thug wearing a Union Jack mask outside of the Holiday Inn Express An aerial view of the rioters gathering outside of the Holiday Inn Express Counter-protesters shout at police officers as they push against a cordon in Bolton Objects thrown at the hotel as trouble flares during an anti-immigration attack outside the Holiday Inn Express LIVERPOOL: Police officers attend to a shell-shocked colleague after a face-off with thugs on Saturday Mr Akinbusoye, who was Britain's first black PCC, added: 'Our entire criminal justice system is going to have to be revisited in terms of how the authorities are going to be able to legitimately counter and pre-empt these narratives. 'I understand that police forces need to be careful about what they put into the public domain but they need to... publish safe information whenever possible.' Tory leadership hopeful Mel Stride said the scrapping of pilots of rapid-response police units, introduced by the Tories last March, may make it harder to tackle the current disorder. 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 thugs 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. 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'. British farming is under threat from deadly African swine fever which is heading to the UK, a leaked government report has warned. The virus is being spread through infected illegal pork products and kills most pigs that catch it, despite posing no threat to humans. The government document revealed it is 'probable' that the virus will reach the UK within months, according to a report by The Sun. The warning comes after port health officials warned at the start of this year that they are 'barely scratching the surface' of illegal pork meat coming to Dover. Sixty tonnes of illegal pork meat have been seized since September 2022, it is understood, when checks were first introduced. African swine fever is being spread through infected illegal pork products and kills most pigs that catch it, despite posing no threat to humans (File image) The warning comes after port health officials warned at the start of this year that they are 'barely scratching the surface' of illegal pork meat coming to Dover (File image) Head of port health and public protection at District Council, Lucy Manzano, said: 'If it lands here it will result in UK culling programmes and export bans. 'It will absolutely have devastating consequences for our pig farms, wild pig community and reputation.' A UK government spokesperson said: 'African swine fever is a disease that affects pigs and not humans. 'Preventing an outbreak in the UK remains one of our key biosecurity priorities and we have published extensive information and guidance about the disease. 'We work closely with Port Health Authorities and Border Force to ensure our strict border controls are enforced.' North Korea has deployed 250 ballistic missile launchers to its southern border, with leader Kim Jong Un describing the weapons as a 'powerful treasured sword' to defend its sovereignty, state media said Monday. The olive green mobile launchers were displayed during a special 'transferring' ceremony in the capital Pyongyang on Sunday, the official Korean Central News Agency reported. The missile launchers were an 'up-to-date tactical attack weapon', Kim was quoted as saying in a speech. It was the first time North Korea had publicised the scale of an arms transfer to its border units, Han Kwon-hee of the Korea Association of Defence Industry Studies said. Each launcher was designed to hold four missiles, Han said, adding that Pyongyang's supply of arms to Moscow might have 'interfered with the North's capacity to actually produce 1,000 missiles'. North Korea has deployed 250 ballistic missile launchers to its southern border North Korean leader Kim Jong Un speaking at a ceremony for transferring new-type tactical ballistic missile launchers to the frontier military units, in Pyongyang Hundreds of missile launchers are seen lined up before a ceremony presided over by Kim Relations between the two Koreas are at one of their lowest points in years, with the North ramping up weapons testing and bombarding the South with balloons full of trash. South Korea has responded by resuming propaganda broadcasts along the border, suspending a tension-reducing military deal and restarting live-fire drills near the border. This year, Pyongyang declared South Korea its 'principal enemy', jettisoned agencies dedicated to reunification and outreach, and threatened war over 'even 0.001 mm' of territorial infringement. Kim noted that presenting the new weapons at a time when the country was reeling from flood damage was a 'manifestation of the firm will of our Party to push ahead with the bolstering of defence capabilities'. Heavy rainfall hit the nuclear-armed country's northern regions in late July, with a South Korean media report claiming up to 1,500 people could have died. Kim has lashed out at the reports, dismissing them as a 'smear campaign to bring disgrace upon us and tarnish' the North's image. The North has said there were no casualties at all in the Sinuiju area, the region Pyongyang said had suffered the 'greatest flood damage'. It claimed North Korea's Air Force rescued over 5,000 people, with around 4,200 of them saved by helicopter 'within a few hours'. Kim Jong Un attends a ceremonial event to mark the delivery of new tactical ballistic missiles to his country's troops at an undisclosed location in North Korea Kim Jong Un attends a ceremonial event to mark the delivery of new tactical ballistic missiles to his country's troops at an undisclosed location in North Korea Missile launchers are displayed before dignitaries This picture taken on August 4, 2024 and released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) via KNS on August 5 shows a general view of a ceremony for transferring 250 new-type tactical ballistic missile launchers to the frontier military units Kim said in his speech that the country was facing a 'significant and strategic shift due to the transformation of US-led alliances into nuclear-based military blocs', a trend he said required an upgrade in war deterrence, according to a KCNA transcript. 'The strength of our armed forces... must continue to accelerate,' Kim said. Photos released by KCNA showed rows of mobile launchers positioned before a podium where Kim spoke. Banners flown from a balloon painted with the North Korean flag read: 'Let's open the golden age of defence industry development under the leadership of the great comrade Kim!' While it was possible that Pyongyang had previously deployed ballistic missile launchers to its southern border, Han said it was the first time he had 'seen such official reports detailing the scale of arms transfers' to military units in the area. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the delivery of 250 ballistic missile launchers to frontline units North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (C) attending a ceremony for transferring new-type tactical ballistic missile launchers to the frontier military units Among the event attendees was Kim's teenage daughter, Ju Ae, who Seoul's spy agency said last week was being groomed as Kim's heir Producing such a large number of weapons and displaying them together indicates the event had been 'planned months in advance', Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification, told AFP. 'Producing 250 mobile launchers requires massive manpower and capital, which shows that the event on Sunday was not staged on a short notice,' he said. 'Pyongyang appears to have judged that staging such a performance-like event would be an effective message to the United States.' Among the event attendees was Kim's teenage daughter, Ju Ae, who Seoul's spy agency said last week was being groomed as Kim's heir. Ju Ae, whose exact age has not been confirmed, was seen clapping behind her father in one KCNA photo. While Kim claimed that the new weapon system was designed by himself, it is likely that they copied the raw technology from overseas, Hong added. 'It is possible that Kim directed the modification using the original technology.' A man has been found dead on a Spanish beach after performing a suspected 'black magic' ritual in which he sacrificed animals before he collapsed. The 65-year-old was found behind an area of rocks at La Fosca beach north of the Costa Brava resort of Palamos near Girona after decapitating around half a dozen hens. His wife alerted the emergency services just after 5am yesterday, saying she had found him unconscious surrounded by the headless carcasses of the birds. Paramedics and police raced to the scene but were unable to revive him. The 65-year-old was found behind an area of rocks at La Fosca beach (pictured) north of the Costa Brava resort of Palamos near Girona after decapitating around half a dozen hens The dead man is said to have fallen ill after rowing with his partner and two children as he began to prepare the satanic ritual before heading off to the nearby spot where he was found after completing the animal sacrifice. When police and paramedics arrived on the scene they found the man surrounded by chicken heads, and his grieving wife and children. Police are still awaiting the results of the autopsy but are not treating the incident as a crime at this stage - the man's body showed no signs of trauma, according to police sources cited by Spanish outlet Cronica Global. They also confirmed that neither the man's wife nor the daughters will be charged with animal abuse or public health issues, since 'they have not participated actively' in the actions the deceased had carried out. Local reports are pointing to the man's death being linked to a reaction to drugs he could have taken as part of the black magic ceremony. The man was found lying on the beach in Costa Brava surrounded by decapitated animals La Fosca beach is a wide sandy area divided into two halves by a large black rock. It forms part of a residential and tourist zone located in a bay to the north of Palamos. A pleasant promenade runs along the length of the beach with beautiful summer houses on the seafront from the first half of the last century. It was not immediately clear this morning if the dead man lived locally or was on holiday in the area. The part of the beach where the hens had been sacrificed is understood to have been cleaned up before the first tourists arrived. Adam Peaty has questioned the legitimacy of China's victory in the men's 4x100 metres medley relay - warning Olympic officials to 'wake up and do your job'. Qin Haiyang and Sun Jiajun helped their nation claim gold but were two of 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for the banned substance trimetazidine prior to the Tokyo Olympics. The pair cleared to compete on the basis of a finding they had unknowingly ingested the drug via contaminated food. The issue heavily overshadowed the build-up to Paris 2024 and appeared to lead to mistrust from several swimmers. Both Katie Ledecky and Caeleb Dressel expressed their misgivings, with Peaty joining the clamour on the final night of action in the pool as he singled out Qin for criticism. 'One of my favourite quotes I've seen lately is that there's no point winning if you're not winning fair,' Peaty said. 'I think you know that truth in your heart.' Adam Peaty (pictured) has questioned the legitimacy of China 's victory in the men's 4x100 metres medley relay Gold Medalists Xu Jiayu, Qin Haiyang, Sun Jiajun and Pan Zhanle of Team People's Republic of China celebrate their victory in the Men's 4x100m Medley Relay Gold medallists Xu Jiayu, Qin Haiyang, Sun Jiajun and Pan Zhanle of Team China pose with medals during the awards ceremony Peaty also seemed to reference a New York Times allegation that Qin returned a positive test for a different performance-enhancing drug in 2017 - which was blamed on food contamination at the time - as a reason he should no longer be allowed to compete. Peaty said: 'If you touch and you know that you're cheating, you're not winning. For me, if you've been on that and you have been ''contaminated'' twice, I think as an honourable person you should be out of the sport. 'I don't want to paint a whole nation or group of people with one brush, I think that's very unfair. But there have been two cases of it and it's very disappointing. 'The Americans have been very vocal. We didn't want to get distracted with that. What I've said from the start is that it's fraud. If you're cheating, it's fraud.' Peaty, who raced alongside Oliver Morgan, Duncan Scott and Matt Richards, finished outside of the podium places in fourth but insisted this was not a case of sour grapes. While he is uncertain about his future in the sport, Peaty insisted every Team GB swimmer will use the row surrounding the Chinese swimmers as fuel for the fire ahead of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles - but called on anti-doping bosses to do more. 'We'll use it to our advantage for the next four years, whether I'm there or not,' he said. 'I know these boys will carry that and we'll see how they do in four years' time. 'But I think to the people that need to do their job - wake up and do your job. I think we have to have faith in the system. But we also don't. I think it's got to be stricter. Gold Medalists Xu Jiayu, Qin Haiyang, Sun Jiajun and Pan Zhanle of Team People's Republic of China celebrating their victory in the Men's 4x100m Medley Relay Team China winning the gold medal at Swimming Men's 4x100m Medley Relay of the Paris Olympic Games Adam Peaty of Team Great Britain competes in the Men's 4x100m Medley Relay Final on day nine of the Olympic Games in Paris 'It's not about the podium because whoever's in the race, I expect in my head has to be fair to be there. We did our best as a team.' On Saturday Peaty described how he had had the 'worst week' of his life physically after testing positive for Covid on Monday, having bagged silver in the men's 100m breaststroke the night before. Now 29, Peaty, who has struggled with injury and his mental health in the last couple of years, gave no indication whether this would be his last Olympics. 'Tomorrow is never promised and if my heart wants it my heart wants it and I will sign that contract with myself to do it,' Peaty added. 'That could be a long way away, but I think I've got to step away from the sport because it hurt too much this time. 'I'm going to take some time off everything and I don't really know what the answer is. I'm taking time, if my family needs me they need me. I don't know you can't lie to your heart but if it wants it, it wants it.' A gang of far-right thugs sparked terror at a Holiday Inn in Rotherham yesterday after forcing their way inside, marauding through corridors looking for asylum seekers to attack and setting fire to the building while more than 100 people were inside. Hundreds of rioters gathered outside the hotel before attacking police, smashing their way inside and terrifying the 130 vulnerable asylum seekers inside. At least one guest in the hotel was physically attacked and repeatedly punched until police were able to clear the floor, the Times reports. Now those staying there have revealed they are 'too scared to leave' out of fear for their safety after a sixth day of escalating violence around the UK. Just hours later, thugs attacked a second Holiday Inn in Tamworth after rumours spread more asylum seekers were being housed there. Images this morning showed shocking damage to the interior of the hotel as it, too, was briefly set alight. Disturbing videos taken by those inside the Rotherham hotel show masked men shouting and threatening to slit asylum seekers' throats before trying to set the building on fire. Shocking images showed a group of about eight rioters setting fire to the building and blocking the emergency exit while residents and staff were still trapped inside. This morning the clean-up operation began as council workers and volunteers joined forces to make the streets of Rotherham safe again. Police officers stand near the broken windows of the hotel during far-right rioting One man was filmed threatening to slit the throats of those inside the hotel in Rotherham Racist graffiti was daubed on the side of the hotel in Tamworth and windows and doors were smashed before thugs attempted to set the building on fire with people still inside Serious damage has been done to buildings including hotels, libraries, local shops and homes since disorder started last week Thugs in balaclavas hurled chairs, wood and bricks at hotels on Sunday, causing thousands of pounds of damage Violent thugs tried to set a hotel reported to be housing asylum seekers on fire and blocked the emergency exits in Rotherham yesterday A police dog handler during the far-right demonstration outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham Pictures this morning showed widespread devastation left behind by the thugs, labelled far-right 'extremists' driven by 'racism' by Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly. Local people joined council workers to clear up around the Holiday Inn Express hotel in Manvers, near Rotherham in South Yorkshire. Police officers stood guard outside the main entrance and at other locations around the building as teams swept up glass from the numerous broken windows at the front of the hotel. The fire door where rioters appeared to have got into the four-storey building was boarded up but with the melted remains of a bin still in place in front. Further damage was visible around the rear of the property where fences were ripped down, doors kicked in and more windows smashed. Later this morning an emergency Cobra meeting is due to be held after six days of rioting and looting, sparked by the spread of false information after three little girls were stabbed to death in Southport last Monday. Tensions rose throughout the day in Rotherham as hundreds gathered outside the hotel and began attacking police officers. Missiles including bricks, stones, wooden planks, bins and pieces of metal were all thrown at officers and racist and Islamophobic chants were heard. Some of the rioters began setting fire to objects and lobbing them at police, before using a bin to set fire to the outside of the building. As officers tried to control the chaos, which politicians say has been whipped up by online hatred and racism, as well as far-right figures spreading false information, some yobs began smashing windows and broke inside the hotel. One of those housed inside told the Times: 'They came into this floor and hit me until the police drove them away down the corridor.' A second said: 'I was taking some tea when they ran down shouting 'f*** f*** f***'. A shirtless man was shouting, and making so much noise. They broke the windows. There were eight on my floor, the first floor.' As police rushed to clear the hotel, others were busy setting the building on fire and using barricades to block emergency exits, trapping some 130 asylum seekers and dozens of hotel staff members inside. Volunteers pick up rubbish and debris from outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham Members of the public with bin bags, dustpans and brushes took to the streets today Hundreds of arrests have been made and many officers injured, with some having to be taken to hospital Rioters attacked police officers in Rotherham on Sunday as far-right thugs led unrest A masked thug faces off with police officers at the Holiday Inn in Rotherham while fire rages in the background Outside the hotel in the north of England, thugs tried to force their way inside and threw chairs, bins and bricks Riots spread from Southport across the country last week in horror scenes that have terrified communities Islamophobic chants were heard and in some areas of the country rioters were filmed stopping cars and interrogating drivers about whether they were 'white and English' Police and dog handlers try to control the deplorable violence after a mob attacked a hotel Council workers began clearing a mountain of shattered glass from outside the Holiday Inn in Rotherham today A police presence remained in place after violent scenes on Sunday that saw windows smashed and officers attacked Charred debris was left outside the hotel as broke fire exits were boarded up with pieces of wood Officers rushed to clear the exits and get those inside to safety. This morning one resident from the hotel said: 'I wanted to cry Maybe if they met me somewhere like in the shop they'll do something bad to me. I'm scared to go out of the hotel.' Chants of 'get them out', 'England' and 'burn it down' were all heard by those at the scene, many of whom had their faces covered. Reinforcements meant police were eventually able to push rioters back, but they continued to engage in violence with a rock thrown at a police horse, and a video taken from inside the hotel appearing to show a man holding a machete. Assistant Chief Constable Lindsey Butterfield, of South Yorkshire Police, said at least 12 officers were injured followed 'a day and night of violence and disorder', adding: 'I can confirm today that we have seen at least 12 of our officers injured with items such as bricks, fenceposts, branches and other missiles thrown at them. 'Our police dogs suffered minor injuries after missiles were launched at them and horses had bricks, eggs, bottles and beer cans thrown at their heads. 'They were spat at and threats made to cut the saddles in an attempt to injure the riders.' 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. Islamophobic and racist chants were heard at multiple riots across the country, with images appearing to show some members of the mobs performing Nazi salutes. After leaving the hotel, some thugs continued causing trouble in other areas of the town. Masked youths were seen smashing windows and car windscreens with metal and wooden bars, chanting: 'Smash the p****'. Now the people of Rotherham face a huge clean-up operation as they hope to avoid more scenes of violence this week. 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. Far-right yobs watch as smoke rises after a hotel is set on fire with more than 130 people inside Those at the riot in Rotherham set fire to the hotel before blocking the emergency exits, trapping people inside Scenes of devastation on Monday as the clean up in Rotherham - and around the UK - begins Yobs pulled off fence panels to throw at police as far-right extremism returned to Britain's streets In Tamworth, broken glass and bricks littered the pavement outside the hotel today after a night of violence The aftermath after three petrol bombs were thrown at a Holiday Inn Express hotel in Tamworth on Sunday night A large group of individuals were seen in the area of the Staffordshire town, with people seen throwing projectiles, smashing windows, starting fires and targeting police 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. Racist phrases including 'F*** P****' and 'Get out England' were 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. Local Labour MP Sarah Edwards condemned the scenes as 'shocking and disgraceful'. But she is facing criticism after speaking in the House of Commons days ago and publicly identifying the hotel as housing asylum seekers. In a tweet, Ms Edwards wrote: 'This is not the first time I have raised in the chamber that residents of Tamworth want their hotel back. I will work closely with the new Government and Home Secretary to end the use of the Holiday Inn for asylum purposes.' Visiting the scene of the disorder in Rotherham, South Yorkshire mayor Oliver Coppard said: 'Like every decent person from this community, from my community, from South Yorkshire, from across the country, I'm horrified. I'm appalled by the violence that we saw yesterday. 'We saw a violent far-right mob come down to attack 240 of the most vulnerable people in our society and try and burn them in the hotel in which they were living. 'That is not OK and there is no excuse for it.' Mr Coppard said: 'The far right have always said to those people with little that they need to attack people with even less. Police officers guard a cordon outside the Holiday Inn in Tamworth on Monday following a night of thuggish violence At the Tamworth hotel that was attacked on Sunday the damage was clear to see once far-right thugs had left the scene 'And, that's what we saw here yesterday: we saw 240 vulnerable people, who came here because in their own homes they have been persecuted. 'They came to our country because we are a tolerant and diverse place and they faced those similar attacks that they might have faced at home here in South Yorkshire.' Speaking this morning, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said there is no excuse for the 'thuggery' and 'disgraceful criminal behaviour' taking place across England. Speaking to BBC Breakfast, she said: 'We saw disgraceful scenes of criminal violence and thuggery in some of our towns and cities. 'There is no excuse for that kind of behaviour, throwing bricks at police officers, the targeting of mosques, the looting of shops. 'It was total disgraceful criminal behaviour, and we should be clear, there will be a reckoning those criminals will pay the price. There have already been hundreds of arrests.' She added: 'Social media companies need to take some responsibility, we also need to make sure that criminal activity online is being pursued, and I think it's really important that none of us forget this minority of thugs do not speak for Britain.' Shadow Secretary James Cleverly told Sky News: 'The things that we have seen are completely unjustified. These are the actions of people who are clearly responding to disinformation online but are obviously motivated by racism. 'We've seen people with Swastika tattoos and making the Nazi salute... attacking people who have no link at all to the terrible incidents that we saw in Southport last week and it is absolutely right that the government is taking firm action. 'When you've people giving Nazi salutes with Swastika tattoos that is clearly far-right extremism. 'It's clearly these attacks on mosques on hotels these are clearly driven by racism and should be unequivocally condemned.' This is the moment hotel staff were seen removing towels from poolside loungers to allow everyone at the establishment the chance to get the prime spots. The video shows a manager at a Turkey hotel piling up several brightly coloured towels on his shoulder, in an attempt to clear up space by the pool. The 10-second long video, shared to TikTok, was captioned 'Sunbed wars. Stay and protect at [all] costs', and has Madonna's Holiday playing over it. While the white polo-clad member of staff was seen brazenly clearing the highly sought after spots three days ago, a second video posted by same social media user yesterday shows hotel staff at it again. The second video, captioned 'Guess who's back... back again' with Eminem's The Real Slim Shady playing over it, shows a member of staff picking up even more towels, this time right next to a relaxing customer. TikTok user The Railway Queen shared a video showing a manager at her Turkey hotel piling up towels on his shoulder, in an attempt to clear up space by the pool The towel on the lounger is considered a near-universal sign of reservation The member of staff was seen taking the towels back to his colleagues, though it is not clear what they did with the collected towels The member of staff was seen taking the towels back to his colleagues, though it is not clear what they did with the collected towels. The towel on the lounger is considered a near-universal sign of reservation. The continent has seen inflamed tensions in the sunbed wars, with one man being spotted bagging six prime spots at a Spanish resort. In a video posted to TikTok last month, guests at the Hotel Village in Benalmadena, Spain, can be seen with towels in hand ready to dash to their desired spots once they are given the okay by staff. One man in a bucket hat can be seen staking a claim for six loungers by quickly flinging his towels across two rows of three. It comes as Majorca announced plans to end the towel wars by introducing an app for people to book sunbeds with the aim of putting an end to the beach battles. If the plans of the town hall of Palma de Mallorca are followed, loungers at the municipality's beaches - Ciutat Jardi, Cala Estancia, Can Pere Antoni, Cala Major and Playa de Palma - will only be able to be reserved via an app, BILD reports. Footage shows sun-seekers with towels in hand at the Hotel Village in Benalmadena ready to bag a row of beds for their families The individual appears to have reserved six beds in a prime location right next to the pool The beaches will also have Wi-Fi and video surveillance, with the plan set to start as early as 2025. Bookings will work similar to how seat reservations work on planes, with the app showing which sunbeds are occupied or free to book. Reservations can then be made online regardless of location with prices being transparent to ensure everyone is treated equally, the report says. Until then, however, tourists will continue to battle for sunbeds, as seen in the latest clip posted online. Commenting beneath the TikTok video of the Hotel Village in Benalmadena, one person joked: 'Want to know what happens afterwards. Do they all sit and relax?' Another said: 'My idea of holiday hell,' while a third added: 'I am glad I hate sunbathing.' A Delta Airlines flight to Rome was forced to turn around over the Atlantic Ocean and return to Boston following a lightning strike. Delta flight 112 between Boston Logan International Airport and Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport was disrupted by the terrifying weather incident on Sunday evening, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said. The seven-year-old Airbus A330 made the U-turn while it was already passing over the Atlantic during what was planned to be a seven-hour flight, according to Flightradar24. Following the strike, the plane made a safe landing back in Boston with no reported injuries. 'Delta flight 112 operating from Boston to Rome returned to Boston out of an abundance of caution after encountering lightning,' Delta said in a statement. Delta flight 112 between Boston Logan International Airport and Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport was disrupted by lightning on Sunday evening The flight had to turn around over the Atlantic Ocean and land back in Boston following the weather incident 'The flight landed safely and without further incident.' Fire crews were deployed at the airport and could be seen surrounding the plane after it landed at around 7.20pm. Delta scrambled to get passengers to their destinations following the interruption. 'We are working to get our customers to their final destination as quickly as possible, and we apologize for the delay in their travel,' Delta said. 'The safety of our customers and people remains Delta's most important priority.' The FAA said it was investigating the incident, though it stressed the federal agency's 'regulations require that commercial aircraft be designed to withstand lightning strikes.' But this is not the first time a commercial plane has been struck by lightning in a terrifying incident at 30,000ft. Last month, a British Airways plane was hit by a bolt of lightning on its approach to London Heathrow Airport. The 13-year-old Airbus A320 was forced to divert to London Gatwick Airport and stayed there for nearly six hours before being allowed to fly again. In February, a United Airline Boeing 732 and a Spirit Airlines Airbus A320neo were struck by lightning on the same day. The United aircraft was flying between Jacksonville International Airport and Chicago O'Hare International Airport and was on the approach to the airport when the incident occurred. Spirits Airbus A320neo was en route from Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport to Milwaukee General Mitchell International Airport but had to divert to Chicago OHare due to the lightning strike. Lighting strikes on flights are very common and are usually harmless - with most incidents occurring during take-off or landing, or at altitude between 5,000ft and 15,000ft. Experts suggest most planes are hit by lightning once or twice a year. When you think of Santorini, images of crowded whitewashed streets and hordes of holidaymakers jostling to get the perfect sunset snap usually come to mind. But as some warn that the picture-perfect island is being swamped, other locals are claiming that the Greek holiday hotspot is struggling to bring in enough tourists. 'The truth is that the island is empty. Right now is like never before, it's the worst season ever,' said Gianluca Chimenti, a local tour operator who has lived in Santorini for 18 years. Put off by videos of queues of cruise ship passengers and visitors shuffling through the streets in the hot sun, would-be tourists are opting to avoid staying on the island for long periods, he claimed. He told CNN travel: 'The problem is that the social media is showing something completely different from what is the reality.' A video shared by one tourist in late July shows the streets of Oia all but deserted The footage of Oia was seemingly taken before an influx of visitors arrived Shocking videos show the crowded streets in Santorini with hordes of tourists packed onto the tiny island TikTok and Instagram are awash with videos of people packed into the narrow streets of the island's most popular spots - the capital Fira and the village of Oia. But despite July and August being high season on the island, town centres are reportedly dead in many areas after 9pm. Many of those who are flocking to the island's main attractions are cruise ship passengers, with Santorini a key stop on Greek cruises' itineraries. When the crowds are gone, Chimenti says, 'the hotels right now are more or less under 30 per cent of a normal season.' Video shared by one tourist in late July appears to show the streets of Oia all but deserted - with the footage seemingly taken before an influx of visitors arrived. While they are empty in this footage, the famous cliff-top viewing spot in the picturesque village sees tourists queuing up for 20 minutes or more as they hope to snap the perfect Instagram shot. Separate footage shared by a tour guide shows hundreds of passengers lining up with suitcases to get on a ship off the volcanic island. Hundreds of tourists perch on the steep hills in Santorini twatch and photograph the famed sunset on July 25, 2024 Hundreds of tourists gather at the village of Oia, Santorini, to watch the sunset, on July 20 Late into the 20th century, Santorini was a sleepy idyll where most locals profited more off agriculture than tourism. Visitor numbers grew from the 1960s as it gained a reputation for its stunning views and iconic architecture - but development on the island failed to keep pace. 'Overtourism doesn't exist. What I see is a lack of structures,' Chimenti said. Of the record 32.7 million people who visited Greece last year, around 3.4 million, or one in 10, went to the island of just 15,500 residents. Some 17,000 tourists are expected to arrive each day in the peak holiday season, according to councillor Panos Kavallaris. Mr Kavallaris previously urged residents in a since-deleted Facebook post to stay at home and avoid the 17,000 tourists he said authorities expect to arrive on the island per day. 'Another difficult day for our city and island is ahead with the arrival of 17,000 visitors from cruise ships. We ask for your attention: limit your movements as much as possible,' the councillor said, but the post quickly caused outrage among locals. Residents criticised the councillor's request, with one commenting on social media: '[He] officially asks locals to lock themselves at home, so that tourists can wander around free. Marvelous.' Huge crowds are drawn to the island each year, straining life for Santorini's locals Shocking images from the picturesque island show masses of tourists queuing on narrow walkways along white buildings with the famous sea-blue domes for the best holiday shots Tourists leave after viewing Santorini's sunset from the Castle of Oia, on Santorini, Greece Chimenti suggested that cruise operators should organise tours to other parts of the island and coordinate others so people are not all piling into the same areas at the same time. Meanwhile holidaymakers are starting to turn to quieter - but equally picturesque - parts of the island to ensure their holiday is memorable for the views rather than the crowds. Katie Haslam from Rochdale said that she and her husband decided to have their honeymoon away from Fira, which they had heard was 'really, really busy'. Instead, they stayed in a clifftop village a few kilometres out, which she told CNN was 'amazing, lovely and quiet.' JK Rowling has helped bankroll a gender critical woman's employment tribunal fight against employers she accuses of forcing her off work due to stress. The bestselling Harry Potter author has revealed she has contributed to a crowdfunding appeal for Sara Morrison who says she has been 'de facto suspended' by her bosses at the Belfast Film Festival. Ms Morrison, who worked for the annual movie showcase as inclusion/audience development coordinator, says she has been discriminated against after attending and speaking at a 'Let Women Speak' event on the Northern Irish capital. She told of being punished for 'holding gender critical beliefs' and talking at the rally of 'the harassment and intimidation that women experience when they express views similar to mine, that womens rights are threatened by people claiming they can change sex'. She has asked for help on the crowdfunding site CrowdJustice and has been publicly backed by Rowling, who drew attention to the page on X, formerly Twitter, and told her 14.2million followers: 'Have donated.' JK Rowling has shared with her 14.2million followers on X, formerly Twitter, a fundraising appeal by a 'gender critical' employees taking her bosses to an employment tribunal Donors have been contributing to Sara Morrison via the crowdfunding site CrowdJustice Sara Morrison says she has been forced into sickness-related absence, due to stress, from her job with the Belfast Film Festival after attending a 'Let Women Speak' event in Belfast Ms Morrison initially set a fundraising goal of 15,000 to back her employment tribunal efforts - but Rowling's post led to a surge of further donations and she has now more than doubled the original target. This morning the total pledged was nearing 32,000 - with Ms Morrison's intended sum now increased to 40,000. Analysts have described a 'pent-up frustration' among people that prompts them to contribute to causes on sites such as CrowdJustice, with online messageboard communities such as Mumsnet rallying to support individuals such as Ms Morrison. Her appeal for help is titled 'Discrimination case against Belfast Film Festival', taking on organisers of the event which has been running since 1995. She writes, 'I am a single mother and have been suspended from my workplace for holding gender critical beliefs' - although an update was added clarifying that she has not been suspended but instead been on sickness absence since July 25. Ms Morrison tells on the page of how she attended - 'as a private citizen' - and spoke at a 'Let Women Speak' event in Belfast on April 16 last year, where others taking part included activist Kellie-Jay Keen. She said: 'This event was focussed on protecting privacy, safety and dignity for women and children and was attended by a large and peaceful crowd. 'Within an hour of my speech, the online harassment began. A photograph of me and my full name was circulated on Twitter. The online harassment continued over the weekend, and eventually the online bullies identified my workplace. Harry Potter author JK Rowling shared a link to Sara Morrison's CrowdFunder appeal Sara Morrison says in her crowdfunder appeal that Belfast Film Festival 'publicly sided' with her online 'bullies' in a social media response about her being investigated 'My employer, other staff, stakeholders and previous employees were also targeted online.' She says a campaign 'orchestrated' against her included emails, texts and tweets implying she was 'an unsafe person to be around' and that a response from her employers suggested they were holding an investigation into her. Ms Morrison added: 'The stress and anxiety this has caused me has been overwhelming and exhausting. Its not an exaggeration to say that at times I have been unable to carry out daily tasks. 'My employer BFF has never attempted to explain to me why they decided to instigate an investigation three months after I spoke at the event. 'No support was offered to me following the online harassment and abuse. My employer even publicly sided with the online bullies. 'My case is therefore that my employer is discriminating against me due to my support of womens rights, and the holding of gender critical beliefs.' Her appeal page, which accuses her employers of 'a bias and failure in their duty of care towards Sara', says a five-day employment tribunal hearing has been scheduled to start on January 13 next year. Her lawyer Simon Chambers, who is also representing the sitcom Father Ted's co-creator Graham Linehan in a separate gender criticial 'discrimination' case, welcomed the help of crowdfunding website donors. He told the Telegraph: 'Employers have had it good for an awful long time - its a small swing back of the pendulum in the direction of the employee.' Gender critical activist Kellie-Jay Keen was among those attending the 'Let Women Speak' rally held in Belfast on April 16, 2023 Father Ted co-creator writer Graham Linehan, pictured at a 'Let Women Speak' event in Dublin in September 2023, is also being represented by Sara Morrison's lawyer Simon Chambers And Dawn Bebe, chief executive of CrowdJustice's parent firm Crowdfunder, said: 'More and more people realise this is a legitimate way to raise money. 'The people fighting cases tend to be challenging the status quo and can influence case law if they win.' CrowdJustice is reported to have raised 14million over the past decade, with the number of cases soaring by 265 per cent since 2015. Other people who have been backed via the site include Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, who fought a battle to avoid extradition to the US, and Sir Alan Bates who led the campaign for justice against the Post Office by subpostmasters and subpostmistresses wrongly accused of theft in the Horizon IT scandal. MailOnline has approached the Belfast Film Festival for comment on Ms Morrison's claims. Rowling previously faced criticism in 2018 after she liked a tweet describing trans women as 'men in dresses'. Her spokesperson at the time said the like was a 'mistake', calling it a 'clumsy middle-aged moment'. The writer has since become a prominent campaigner to protect what she describes as women's rights - fuelled by her own experiences of domestic abuse - in the face of pro-trans causes. Former sub-postmaster Sir Alan Bates, founder of the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance, is among those whose campaign have been supported by online crowdfunding donors Also backed has been Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, seen here celebrating his arrival in Canberra, Australia, on June 26 this year after being released after five years in HMP Belmarsh JK Rowling has become a prominent campaigner to protect what she describes as women's rights - fuelled by her own experiences of domestic abuse - in the face of pro-trans causes She has opposed new legislation in Scotland seeking to make it easier for trans people to change their legal gender. She has also insisted biologically male trans women should not be allowed in women's spaces nor to take part in women's sports. Rowling has denied accusations she is transphobic, and police earlier this year said tweets in which she 'misgendered' trans women did not fall foul of Scotland's new hate crime laws which outlaw 'stirring up' hate against transgender people. Rowling has also been vocal in recent days, criticising the participation of two 'gender row' boxers in the women's event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Tory leadership contender James Cleverly today condemned the Government's 'slow' response to widespread rioting on Britain's streets. The shadow home secretary questioned why it had taken nearly a week for Sir Keir Starmer to call an emergency Cobra meeting in response to the violence. He claimed ministers 'should and could have been quicker' in taking action, and demanded they be 'more agile, more decisive'. Downing Street is expected to hold an emergency Cobra meeting today after the Prime Minister last night issued a fresh blast at 'far-right thuggery'. It came after further violence on Sunday, with arrests made in Rotherham and Middlesbrough, as hotels, houses, cars, a court and university were attacked . Tom Tugendhat, the former security minister and another Tory leadership candidate, also asked why it had taken 'so long' for Labour to call a Cobra meeting. Meanwhile, the Government is under pressure to recall Parliament, as happened in 2011 during previous riots. Tory leadership contender James Cleverly today condemned the Government's 'slow' response to widespread rioting on Britain's streets The shadow home secretary questioned why it had taken nearly a week for Sir Keir Starmer to call an emergency Cobra meeting in response to the violence Flames burn as people go on the rampage in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Sunday Downing Street yesterday dismissed claims Sir Keir was planning to go on holiday this week. The PM is expected to be working in No10 over the coming days as he navigates the first real test of his premiership in the wake of the Southport stabbing attack. Speaking to Sky News this morning after a fresh night of chaos, Mr Cleverly said: 'These are the actions of people who are clearly responding to disinformation online, but are obviously motivated by racism. 'We've seen people with swastika tattoos and giving the Nazi salute, attacking people that have had no link at all with the terrible instance that we saw in Southport last week. 'And it is absolutely right that the Government is saying that they will take firm action they should and could have been quicker. 'I think it's worrying that it's only today that Cobra is going to meet. It was only yesterday afternoon that we found out the Prime Minister was going to cancel his holiday.' He added: 'We've seen nearly a week of disorder now and Cobra is only going to meet later on today. 'There are key decisions that need to be made very early in the process, had I still been home secretary I would have called a Cobra meeting much earlier than this.' Mr Cleverly described the rioters as a 'group of extreme people' who are 'not reflective of the country'. In another interview with Times Radio, the former Cabinet minister said the Government needed to be 'much more proactive'. 'When the Government gets things right, I will support them, because this issue is absolutely key,' he said. 'But I'm also concerned that they have been slow. 'When you're in opposition, you get into a habit of thinking what you're going to say. 'When you're in government, you have to decide what you're going to do. He added: 'I want the Government to make sure people are safe, but they need to act more decisively, more quickly. 'They need to give the police certainty over funding, over mutual aid details, over overtime details, to make sure we've got enough police officers on the streets. 'They need to be much more proactive.' Posting on X/Twitter on Saturday night, Mr Tugendhat wrote: 'Day 6. Why hasn't a COBR been called? Still no plan from Government on ending the violence on our streets. 'Extremism and lawlessness cannot be tolerated. This has to stop. What is taking Labour so long?' Passengers on a 'sauna' jet suffered panic attacks and struggled to properly breathe for two hours after their flight from Heathrow to Bangkok was held for two hours, before it was cancelled entirely. The Boeing 777 was departing from Heathrow International Airport in London bound for Bangkok, Thailand, when the air conditioning system malfunctioned, on July 25. Footage shows hundreds of travellers fanning themselves as they grappled with the heat on flight TG 917, operated by Thai Airways, the state-owned flag carrier. Student Warawalan Maksaen, 26, from the University of Exeter, said the conditions were 'like a sauna' and passengers were eventually removed before being put onto a flight the next day. Warawalan said: 'People were stuck on the plane and couldn't leave. We were hot and couldn't breathe. At least in a sauna, you can leave when you want. This was like a form of torture.' The student said that take-off was scheduled for 9.25 pm but the captain announced a problem with the air conditioning, preventing the flight from departing The Boeing 777 was departing from Heathrow International Airport in London bound for Bangkok, Thailand , when the air conditioning system malfunctioned Footage shows hundreds of travellers fanning themselves as they grappled with the heat on flight TG 917, operated by Thai Airways Passengers had to stay inside for two hours until 11 pm while the issue was checked. She claimed that no food or water was provided while the passengers waited in the hot plane. Another passenger recounted that passengers were left sweaty, and someone had a panic attack. A flight attendant then provided water in the kitchen area and opened the door to allow fresh air inside. Warawalan stated that passengers were eventually disembarked at 11 pm because no technicians were available due to the airport's curfew, and the flight was rescheduled for the next day. She added: 'We were given two choices. We could either sleep in the airport until the rescheduled flight or take a bus to find a hotel. 'Myself and a lot of the other passengers went to the bus station to wait for transportation to a hotel. 'There was no help from the airline and the last group of passengers waited aimlessly until the last three buses arrived at 2 am.' Passengers had to stay inside for two hours until 11 pm while the issue was checked Another passenger recounted that passengers were left sweaty, and someone had a panic attack Warawalan said the hotel provided by the airline did not have enough rooms for all the passengers, offering only eight rooms despite the airline's assurances. The hotel prioritised groups and families, leaving Warawalan, who was travelling alone, to find her own accommodation. Fortunately, she was familiar with the area and found a hotel at 3 am. She added: 'Passengers asked when a new flight would be provided and how they would compensate the passengers, but the airline did not provide clear answers. 'We could only gather bits of information from conversations amongst ourselves, so everyone was confused.' Warawalan boarded at 3.53 PM the next day when the captain announced that the air conditioning was fixed, but the engine could not be started. She said that passengers had to wait inside the plane before they were eventually removed and allowed to reboard at 6:49 pm. Warawalan added: 'I was so disappointed by Thai Airways. Their service was appalling and I sent a complaint email after the incident. 'I have received a compensation offer either as cash or a discount voucher for my next flight, which I chose as cash because I do not want to fly with this airline again. 'Foreign passengers who were determined to visit Thailand were extremely disappointed in the national airline,' making them not want to visit after getting their first impression ruined.' Video footage has emerged of what is believed to be a stricken Russian fighter jet falling out of the sky - thanks to its pilot who documented the incident on his smartphone as he dangled from his parachute. The clip, published this weekend on the Telegram channel of Russian warblogger Kirill Fedorov and shared by Ukrainian official Anton Gerashchenko, shows an aircraft plummeting towards a blanket of thick clouds with flames trailing from one of its engines. Anyone viewing the clip would assume it was captured by a drone - until the camera turns around to reveal the pilot suspended from his chute and wearing a helmet, visor and oxygen mask. Clutching his phone in one hand as he reached a lower altitude, the pilot tore off his mask and exclaimed: 'They f***ing shot us down!' 'Turned on GPS but there's no signal... we didn't have time to achieve anything,' he said breathlessly. 'It's all over... We went f***ing high.' The aircraft is seen plummeting towards a blanket of thick, dark clouds with flames trailing from one of its engines The pilot then films himself suspended from his chute and wearing a helmet, visor and oxygen mask The pilot's feet are seen dangling from his parachute after ejection Fedorov blurred out the pilot's face and declined to share more details to protect the Russian's identity The silhouette of the aircraft suggests the pilot was flying a member of the Russian Sukhoi 'Flanker' family of jets, several variants of which have been routinely deployed by Russia's air force in Ukraine (Russian Sukhoi Su-35 multirole fighter is seen in 2019) It is not clear exactly when and where the video was taken - Fedorov blurred out the pilot's face and declined to share more details to protect the Russian's identity. But he claimed the pilot survived and is preparing to fly further combat missions. The silhouette of the aircraft suggests the pilot was flying a member of the Russian Sukhoi 'Flanker' family of jets, several variants of which have been routinely deployed by Russia's air force in Ukraine. Variants include the original Su-27 multirole fighter jet, its modernised and upgraded Su-30 and Su-35 iterations, and the Su-34, which is specially designed to conduct bombing raids and deep strike missions. The emergence of the incredible clip this weekend comes as Ukrainian pilots took to the skies for combat operations in US-made F-16 fighter jets provided by European countries for the first time, more than 29 months after Russia's full scale invasion in February 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday announced the deployment 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 refused to disclose for security reasons. The arrival of the jets is a major milestone for Ukraine after its Western allies finally reconciled two years of concerns that arming Kyiv with advanced weaponry would further escalate the war with Russia. Ukrainian officials say the addition of the F-16 represents a vital upgrade for its Air Force - though analysts say the deployment of the jets is unlikely to prove a turning point in the war, particularly given their delayed delivery date. 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, making them a valuable asset for Ukraine's air force, particularly for air defence. They will seek to intercept Russian missiles and drones that have relentlessly bombarded Ukraine, suppress enemy air defence systems, and strike Russian troop positions and ammunition depots with air-to-ground missiles. Ukraine had previously relied on an ageing fleet of Soviet-era warplanes that are outgunned by Russia's more advanced and far more numerous fleet. Moscow 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. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaking to servicemen next to an American single-engine supersonic multirole fighter F-16 jet during a ceremony to mark Air Force Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine at an undisclosed location in Ukraine, 04 August 2024 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky delivers a speech on the stand in front of the first General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon received by Ukraine, congratulating the Ukrainian military on August 4, 2024 F-16 Fighting Falcons perform in the sky as President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky delivers a speech, Sunday, August 4, 2024 The Ukrainian Air Force's F-16 fighter jets fly in an undisclosed location in Ukraine, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024 'This is the new stage of development of the air force of Ukraine's armed forces,' Zelensky said of the F-16's arrival. '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 aircraft. '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 - such as British and French Storm Shadow missiles - would allow them to have a greater battlefield impact, military analysts say. Zelensky stressed it was imperative that Kyiv's allies find ways to expand training programmes and opportunities for both Ukrainian pilots and engineering teams to ensure the air force can operate the aircraft effectively over the long term. The Ukrainian president said he also hoped, through conversations at the Ukraine-NATO Council platform, to lobby allied neighbouring countries to help intercept Russian missiles being launched at Ukraine. 'The positive thing is that we are expecting additional F-16s... many guys are now training,' he said, but '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. 'This decision is probably difficult for our partners. They are always afraid of excessive escalation, but we are fighting that.' Ukraine's top commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, said the jets would help save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers. 'This means that more of the occupiers will be destroyed,' Syrskyi wrote. 'It means a greater number of downed missiles and aircraft used by the Russian criminals to attack Ukrainian cities.' Russia meanwhile is said to be offering a 135,000 reward for the downing or destruction of each F-16. Vladimir Putin has stated that the warplanes would not change the situation on the battlefield, but lead to a prolongation of the war. He claimed that they would burn like other much-touted Western military equipment, and has openly said he will authorise Russian forces to strike Ukrainian airbases hosting the NATO jets. F-16s, built by US aerospace firm Lockheed Martin, have been on Ukraine's wish list for a long time because of their destructive power and global availability Ukraine has received the first tranche of western F-16 fighter jets that it has sought for months to be able to fight back against an onslaught of Russian missile strikes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, left, and Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen sit in a F-16 fighter jet at Skrydstrup Airbase, in Vojens, Denmark, Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023 Denmark has committed to donate 19 F-16 jets in total, while the Netherlands has promised to deliver 24 aircraft. Both countries have been driving forces behind an international coalition to supply Ukraine with F-16s. Norway has also said that it would donate six F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. The first delivery of the jets comes almost a year after US President Joe Biden gave the go-ahead in August 2023 for used F-16s to be deployed to Ukraine, though the US won't be providing any of its own planes. But there are still a long list of challenges that Ukraine must negotiate to effective deploy the jets, said Marina Miron of the Defense Studies Department at King's College London. The roughly nine-month training in the US 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.' 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. Four Just Stop Oil protesters who were arrested near Manchester Airport this morning in a police swoop have been pictured grinning. The environmental group released the snap following their arrest in which the foursome are seen huddled close together and smiling for the camera. Just Stop Oil has named two of the four activists who have been arrested: Ella Ward, 21, - who previously threw paint on the offices of the Policy Exchange think-tank in Westminster - and shop worker Margaret Reid, 53, from Kent. A 30-year-old woman and a man, 23, were also detained by officers from Greater Manchester Police's Specialist Operations Branch on suspicion of conspiring to cause a public nuisance. The quartet have been taken into custody where they will be quizzed by officers. They were also found to be in possession of items that the force believes would have been used to cause damage and significant disruption to the airport and its operations. Chief Superintendent Mark Dexter said the arrests had 'no doubt prevented a determined and targeted attack which would have brought significant delays and upset to those hard-working people heading off for their summer holidays'. Just Stop Oil has released a picture of the four activists from the environmental group who were arrested this morning near Manchester Airport Four Just Stop Oil protesters have been arrested near Manchester Airport (pictured) in a police swoop Three women and a man have been detained by officers from Greater Manchester Police's Specialist Operations Branch on suspicion of conspiring to cause a public nuisance (stock image) 'We have been working hard with colleagues from Manchester Airport and police forces across the country, sharing intelligence, with the common goal to prevent these disruptive and targeted attacks on our airports,' he said. 'We have a duty of care to all members of the public. The right to protest must be respected, but we have a duty to balance that right against the rights of the public to go about their lives without being subject to unacceptable disruption and will undertake swift and decisive action to arrest those intent on causing disturbances. 'Anyone who sees anything suspicious or who has concerns about safety or security should speak to an officer or a member of the airport staff.' Manchester Airport did not wish to comment when approached by MailOnline. Ms Ward, an environmental science student from Birmingham said in a statement released by Just Stop Oil: 'I know I may be sent to prison and I know I could face many years inside. This fact terrifies me, but it doesn't alarm me as much as the impending societal collapse and the loss of everything we know and love, which is what we are facing if we don't take immediate and meaningful action against this crisis.' Just Stop Oil has vowed to carry on 'to do whatever is nonviolently possible to demand a Fossil Fuel Treaty and to defend humanity from the consequences of climate breakdown'. A Just Stop Oil spokesperson said: 'Just Stop Oil supporters are always fully accountable for our actions and as such the four arrested today will accept any legal consequences. 'Accountability is a core feature of nonviolence, which is at the centre of Just Stop Oil's mission. We take action because we want a safe and stable society. Delivering a Fossil Fuel Treaty that ends oil and gas by 2030 is an essential step for our Government to prevent massive disorder.' Activists from the environmental group have seen their attempts in recent weeks to unleash a 'summer of chaos' at airports across Europe foiled by officers. They have been targeting airports in recent weeks in the campaign named 'Oil Kills'. Just Stop Oil said 21 groups across 12 countries have taken action at 21 airports so far. Last week, a group of six demonstrators tried to block the security screening zone at London Heathrow 's Terminal Five. They sat or stood holding signs saying 'oil kills' and 'sign the treaty' in front of the barriers to enter the area for departing passengers - but they were dragged away by police officers. AUGUST 1: Just Stop Oil protesters block the security screening area at Heathrow Terminal Five AUGUST 1: Just Stop Oil protesters block the security screening area at Heathrow Terminal Five AUGUST 1: Police officers remove a Just Stop Oil protester at London Heathrow Airport AUGUST 1: Just Stop Oil protesters hold 'Oil Kills' signs as they block the security gates AUGUST 1: Police officers remove a Just Stop Oil protester at London Heathrow Airport JULY 30: Phoebe Plummer, 22, and Jane Touil, 58, spray orange paint on departure boards at Heathrow's Terminal Five in another protest at the airport JULY 30: Phoebe Plummer is arrested on suspicion of criminal damage at Heathrow Airport JULY 30: Phoebe Plummer is removed by police at Heathrow after the group's latest stunt JULY 29: Just Stop Oil supporters block departure gates at Gatwick Airport in another protest JULY 29: The seven Just Stop Oil protesters at Gatwick earlier this week were arrested Heathrow confirmed all the protesters were 'swiftly' removed and there was no disruption or damage. There was no apparent impact on flights, and Scotland Yard said seven people were arrested on suspicion of public order offences. Just Stop Oil claimed the seven arrested people included six who were blocking the gates and then a further person filming the action. The group added that another ten people were arrested on public transport. It comes after another protest in the same Heathrow terminal two days earlier saw two Just Stop Oil activists arrested after they sprayed orange paint on departure boards. The protest followed another at London Gatwick the day before when eight Just Stop Oil supporters were arrested for blocking departure gates. This is the brutal moment thugs of Russia's fearsome FSB secret police arrest WSJ journalist Evan Gershkovich. Footage shows plain-clothed agents grabbing him in a headlock and standing on his back as they detained the reporter in March 2023 on espionage charges that the US has always maintained are illegitimate. Gershkovich, 32, spent almost 500 days behind bars and was sentenced to 16 years in prison before he was finally freed in a prisoner swap between Russia and the West last Thursday. A never-before-seen video of his arrest has now been revealed by the FSB by Putin-controlled RT propaganda channel in attempt to show Gershkovich acting as a spy. But it appears to show the opposite as Gershkovich can merely seen talking to a source and discussing the preparation of a story for his newspaper - the Wall Street Journal. Footage shows plain-clothed agents grabbing Gershkovich in a headlock during the arrest One of the FSB agents kneed on Gershkovich as he was lying handcuffed on the floor Gershkovich was then dragged outside while in handcuffs as he was arrested on March 29, 2023 He makes clear in the FSB recording at a restaurant in Yekaterinburg that he wants to protect his source from the disclosure of secret information. This is in contrast to the bogus Russian claim that he was caught working for US secret services. An accredited Moscow correspondent, he was investigating for a legitimate piece of journalism the impact of Western sanctions on Russia, especially on the defence and industrial sectors. In the now-released footage, the source tells Gershkovich: 'The only thing I ask you, please, be very careful because this is classified information.' The reporter tells him: 'We won't write that we have even seen the documents.' Instead, he said, his report would be attributed to an 'anonymous source'. He also reminded his source he had told him to leave secret material at home. But it appears to show the opposite as Gershovich is seen talking to a source and discussing the preparation of a story for his newspaper - the Wall Street Journal Gershkovich (pictured) makes clear in the FSB recording at a restaurant in Yekaterinburg that he wants to protect his source from the disclosure of secret information Officers of the FSB security service arrested Gershkovich on March 29, 2023, at a steakhouse in Yekaterinburg, 900 miles east of Moscow (pictured as they are leading him out of the restaurant) Next Gershkovich is seen being detained by FSB thugs who roughly handle him and force him on the floor face down as they handcuff him. RT stated: 'The [FSB] operation took place during his meeting with an "anonymous contact". At it, the transfer of classified information about the Russian military-industrial complex was openly discussed.' It added that the WSJ had called the against Gershkovich 'bogus' and 'unsubstantiated', which is why the RT published the conversation between Gershkovich and his informant 'for Western sceptics'. The son of Soviet emigres who settled in New Jersey, Gershkovich was fluent in Russian and moved to Russia in 2017 to work for The Moscow Times newspaper before being hired by the WSJ in 2022. He was the first US journalist arrested on spying charges in Russia since the Cold War. Russian prosecutors alleged that Gershkovich had gathered secret information on the orders of the US Central Intelligence Agency about a company that manufactures tanks for Moscow's war in Ukraine, which he and his employer denied. Officers of the FSB security service arrested him on March 29, 2023, at a steakhouse in Yekaterinburg, 900 miles east of Moscow. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison in July 2023 and had since been held in Moscow's Lefortovo prison. Gershkovich's release was negotiated along with that of former marine Paul Whelan and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmashevas, as part of a major inmate swap with Moscow. The release was filmed and the footage showed shaven-headed Gershkovich and other freed prisoners as they were escorted aboard a Russian plane bound for Turkey. A total of 24 prisoners from seven different countries were freed - making it the largest and most complex East-West inmate exchange since the Cold War era. The exchange took place in the Turkish capital of Ankara on Thursday morning. The country has previously mediated prisoner exchanges between Russia and the West. Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was released in a prisoner swap last Thursday (pictured above) A plane carrying American prisoners landed in Turkey following a major swap between Russia and the US on August 1 President Biden shared this photo shortly after the release with the caption: 'After enduring unimaginable suffering and uncertainty, the Americans detained in Russia are safe, free, and have begun their journeys back into the arms of their families' Gershkovich, who was released from detention in Russia, is embraced by his mother Ella Milman, upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, U.S., August 1 Vadim Krasikov (pictured), the so-called bicycle killer, was among eight prisoners released by the US as part of a historic prisoner swap with Moscow last week Gershkovich (pictured above in a Russian court on July 19) was sentenced to 16 years in prison over the trumped up spying charges Russia is suspected of arresting certain foreigners in Russia with a view to trading them with the West in exchanges. This is believed to be the cynical reason why the US reporter was held. Putin is known to have been especially anxious for the return of so-called bicycle killer Vadim Krasikov, 58, from his German jail, where he was serving a life sentence for murder. Krasikov was convicted of gunning down Zelimkhan 'Tornike' Khangoshvili, 40, in broad daylight in a central Berlin park in June 2019. He rode up to the Georgia-born Chechen separatist on a bicycle and executed him in Berlin's Kleine Tiergarten park in December 2021. A German court called it a 'state-contracted killing' on behalf of the Kremlin. Krasikov's release appears to be central to the entire prisoner swap deal and has been personally demanded by Putin. The two met while working as officers at the Federal Security Service, Russia's biggest spy agency, with Krasikov's family saying he boasted of doing target practice with the leader. Putin appeared to reference Krasikov during his interview with Tucker Carlson as he discussed the possibility of a prisoner swap. 'That person, due to patriotic sentiments, eliminated a bandit,' Putin said. 'Whether he did that of his own initiative or not, that is a different question.' Krasikov is an FSB assassin who Putin has personally known for decades, it is believed. Yvette Cooper today warned hostile states may be 'amplifying' online misinformation blamed for whipping up riots in the wake of the Southport stabbing attack. The Home Secretary did not rule out foreign interference as one of the factors behind the outbreak of violent disorder on Britain's streets. But, following a fresh night of chaos across the country, Ms Cooper insisted the Government's immediate focus was on clamping down on local groups. She also issued another demand for social media companies to remove criminal material and hate-filled misinformation from their sites. The Home Secretary called for tech bosses to hold 'a sense of responsibility towards communities' amid the far right violence. Yvette Cooper warned hostile states may be 'amplifying' online misinformation blamed for whipping up riots in the wake of the Southport stabbing attack A car burns on Parliament Road in Middlesbrugh after it was set alight by far right thugs A man dressed in England and Union Jack flags faces police officers in Middlesbrough Lord Walney, the Government's adviser on political violence and disruption, has said far right actors are 'almost certainly' being 'aided and abetted' by hostile states. He claimed they had helped 'in creating and planning disinformation to put out false narratives'. James Cleverly, Ms Cooper's predecessor as home secretary, has also said the riots have 'all the hallmarks' of something that has partly been stoked from abroad. Appearing on Sky News this morning, Ms Cooper was asked if she had similarly determined whether foreign states could be involved in helping sow the chaos. 'We know that there can be amplification of social media activity,' she replied. 'I think our focus right now is on local groups and organisations, including some of those who are fulled by far right extremists. 'But also those who were just local looters who came to join in and committed crimes and that is our focus right now. 'To make sure they pay the price for their crimes.' She added: 'There is also an issue about the online criminality that we've seen and social media has clearly put rocket boosters under some of the organisation, the inflaming of tensions, and also the misinformation that was spread as well. 'So we do also expect to see action against those who were posting criminal material online as well, and also to make sure the social media companies take some responsibility for this. 'Because they have terms and conditions they have to meet in terms of both misinformation and also criminal material that is available online.' Pressed about what action social media firms should be taking, the Home Secretary said it was 'not acceptable' they had scaled down efforts to tackle misinformation following the conclusion of the general election campaign. 'They did have arrangements in place around removing misinformation during the general election campaign,' she said. 'Some of that has stopped - that's not acceptable, they have terms and conditions that they should be meeting. 'Some of this is around criminal material that they should be removing. 'But they also actually just have to have a sense of responsibility towards communities where we've seen the consequences in certain towns and cities. 'So we will be pursuing this with the social media companies.' Mr Cleverly said, when he was home secretary, he knew of a 'very pernicious online culture' had been 'amplified' from beyond Britain's borders. 'I was well aware of a very pernicious online culture perpertrated by the far right, amplified both within the UK and beyond our borders,' he told the TV news channel. 'This has all the hallmarks of something which has been stoked by that.' Do you know more? Email lisa.edser@mailonline.com Extraordinary footage has emerged of a brave woman jumping into Sydney Harbour to rescue a small dog who fell into the freezing water. The woman took off her pants and boots and plunged off Woolloomooloo's Finger Wharf in the city's east around lunchtime on Monday. The drama unfolded less than 2km from where ex-navy clearance diver Paul de Gelder lost his right hand and leg when he was attacked by a shark in 2009. Colin, who was visiting Sydney from Newcastle, was enjoying lunch with his partner at the popular wharf when he spotted the woman diving into the water. 'There were two dogs off the lead running along and one didn't gauge the edge well and fell into the water,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'My partner saw it first - she spotted the cute dogs and freaked out when she saw one of the dogs fall in.' The owner watched in horror as her dog began swimming around, possibly looking for a way up. 'The dog swam away from the owner and swam towards from the navy vessels on the other side- where the navy clearance diver had his arm and leg bitten off by a shark,' Colin said. A woman jumped into the Sydney Harbour at Woolloomooloo to rescue a small dog that fell in the water The woman quickly swam to where the dog was, rescued the animal and brought it to shore 'The owner first panicked and went to where the steps are but she started filming or doing Facetime. It was weird.' While the shocked owner remained paralysed, a brave woman spotted the terrified pup in the harbour and jumped in. 'There were a few heroes lining up but the lady just stripped down and jumped in. She just dived straight in and was a fantastic swimmer,' Colin said. 'I'm from a swimming family and you could tell she has had swimming training or lifeguard training, by the way she cradled the dog and swam back in with it. 'She was out fast and back in fast. 'She was an exceptional swimmer and she kept an eye out for sharks on the way out to get the dog.' Witnesses rushed to a nearby restaurant to fetch tablecloths for the drenched woman and dog to dry off. The owner (pictured in red on the other side of the water) ran to her dog after the woman handed it to be dried by witnesses 'I think a few people were queuing up and patted her on the back,' Colin said. 'It almost felt like a set-up, but it clearly wasn't it. A lot of guys started coming over once the dog was rescued to see her and help cover her up. 'I went to share the vision with her so she had it because what she did was amazing, but she had already been whisked away.' The owner was reunited with her dog and thanked the woman for the courageous rescue. Iran is expected to attack Israel in the next 24 to 48 hours following a major attack by Hezbollah that left two IDF soldiers injured, top western diplomats have warned. American news outlet Axios reported that Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, the US' highest ranking diplomat, told the G7 yesterday that an attack in response to Israel killing Hamas' political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Fuad Shukr in Beirut, was imminent. This would be the second time during the growing crisis in the Middle East that Iran has directly attacked Israel, the first being in April when it sent a salvo of missiles and drones overnight. But unlike the April attack, the US admitted in a private call with G7 members that it doesn't know what the expected retaliatory strike will look like. Nevertheless, Iran has clearly signalled that it intends to attack its foe. Iran claimed today that it has the 'legal right' to respond to Haniyeh's assassination, with foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanani telling a news conference: 'No one has the right to doubt Iran's legal right to punish the Zionist regime.' Stark footage from the region showed the Iron Dome system firing defensive missiles to intercept the barrage Benjamin Netanyahu's (pictured) Israel is expecting an attack in the next 24 to 48 hours Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (pictured) is set to attack Israel imminently The head of the country's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, General Hossein Salami, meanwhile threatened Israel, warning that the state was 'digging its own grave' by carrying on its war against terror group Hamas. 'They will see the result of their mistake. They will see when, how and where they will get their response,' Salami said in a speech. The threats from Iran comes just hours after Hezbollah, backed by the Iranian regime, launched a silo of 30 missiles from Lebanon towards upper Galilee. Stark footage from the region showed Israel's Iron Dome air defence system firing defensive missiles to intercept the barrage. Despite this, two Israeli troops were wounded in the attack, which also set off a fire in northern Israel. Hezbollah said in a statement it targeted a military base in northern Israel in response to 'attacks and assassinations' carried out by Israel in several villages in south Lebanon. Two Israeli troops were wounded in the attack, which also set off a fire in northern Israel The Iron Dome intercepted many of the missiles sent by Hezbollah A man holds Palestinian, Lebanese and Hezbollah flags next to a damaged site where top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr was killed following an Israeli strike on July 30 A view of the damaged site where top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr was killed following an Israeli strike on July 30 The escalating tensions between Israel, Hezbollah and Iran have led to growing fears of an all-out war breaking out in the Middle East between Israel and Tehran's proxies. Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his nation is already in a 'multi-front war' with Iran, adding in a Cabinet meeting on Sunday that Israel is ready for any scenario. Netanyahu has also been accused of not being 'sincerely interested in a ceasefire', as Hamas' Haniyeh was the terror group's lead ceasefire negotiator. Middle East expert Andreas Krieg said that his killing, as well as Shukur's, collapsed months of work done by American, Qatari and Egyptian mediators. Despite the increasingly war-focused rhetoric and the diminishing hoped of a permanent ceasefire, many of Israel's allies are working to de-escalate tensions in the region. The US said on the G7 call on Sunday that its choice to increase its military capability in the region was to bolster defence. It was also reported to have asked the other members to apply diplomatic pressure on Israel, Iran and Hezbollah in an attempt to diffuse tensions. A car drives past a poster depicting late Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, top commander of Iran's Quds Force Qassem Soleimani and Hezbollah top commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut, Lebanon Yemenis wave flags and lift placards of Hezbollah senior commander Fuad Shukr, who was killed in an Israeli strike, and slain Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, during a rally in the Huthi-controlled capital Sanaa on August 2, 2024 The G7 ministers said in a statement: 'We express our deep concern over the heightened level of tension in the Middle East which threatens to ignite a broader conflict in the region. 'We urge all involved parties to refrain from perpetuating the current destructive cycle of retaliatory violence, to lower tensions and engage constructively towards de-escalation. No country or nation stands to gain from further escalation in the Middle East.' In the meantime, several nations have commanded their citizens to leave the region amid fears that diplomatic measures to counter rising tensions fail. Japan and Turkey today told their citizens to leave Lebanon, while France and Italy told their citizens to leave a day prior. The UK, meanwhile, sent warships and military aircraft to the region to assist a potential evacuation of British citizens. Several Royal Air Force transport helicopters and two naval ships are on standby in the eastern Mediterranean including the Type 45 air-defence destroyer HMS Duncan and the RFA Cardigan Bay, a transport ship that can deploy landing craft. The Ministry of Defence said it is deploying military personnel 'to provide embassies with operational support to help British nationals'. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas in retaliation for its unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel which 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 retaliatory campaign has killed at least 39,583 people in Gaza, according to the territory's health ministry, which does not give details of civilian and militant deaths. Tommy Robinson today insisted he has not fled the UK and is on a planned holiday with his children at a five-star hotel in Cyprus. The former English Defence League leader has been stoking far-right race riots across Britain from the safety of a sun lounger on the outskirts of Ayia Napa. Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has posted a stream of inflammatory social media posts from his foreign bolthole while on holiday with family and friends. The 41-year-old, 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. But MailOnline revealed Robinson has been staying at an all-inclusive Cyprus resort, and he spoke today to Indian English-language news channel CNN-News18. Robinson said: 'I haven't fled the UK. I am on holiday with my children, that was planned. I never received any court documentation summoning me to court. 'I am not on bail to attend court. There was a process the court has to go to, that process is not to give information to far-left organisations.' Tommy Robinson speaks today on Indian English-language news channel CNN-News18 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 He also told the channel that he adopted the pseudonym Tommy Robinson because people wanted to 'murder' him, adding: 'My real name is actually Stephen Lennon. 'Yes, I did use a pseudonym. Because if you want to speak about Islam, people want to kill you.' He also claimed that 'six Muslims are currently in British prisons for 30 years for planning to murder me'. Robinson added: 'I tried to protect my name, because I wanted to protect my family. I don't think that is ridiculous at all.' Robinson has been mixing happily with other holidaymakers in Cyprus, 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. Robinson is seen resting and relaxing on a sun lounger in a pool in Cyprus 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 He was also seen reading a hardback copy of American businessman and conspiracy theorist Patrick Byrne's memoir called Danger Close. It comes after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer warned those 'whipping up this action online and then running away themselves' would face consequences. 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. Rioters attacked police officers in Rotherham on Sunday as far-right thugs led unrest Property is vandalised as far-right activists hold protests in Middlesbrough Counter-protesters shout at police officers as they push against a cordon in Bolton Riots spread from Southport across the country last week in horror scenes that have terrified communities '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. Britain's economic growth 'does not depend on the EU', a leading economist has warned the new government. Dr Gerard Lyons has urged the Prime Minister to stand firm against calls to rejoin the single market, saying he should instead take 'full advantage' of Brexit. He argued that it was best to ignore pro-Brussels voices who 'overstate' the benefits of membership and said Labour should instead focus on domestic challenges. 'The Government needs to have the confidence to stand its ground on remaining outside of EU institutions,' he wrote in a paper for the Centre for Policy Studies. 'Rejoining the EU, its single market or its customs union will not provide a solution to the UK's growth challenge and should not be part of any pro-growth strategy, despite the recent clamour from some for this,' he went on. Dr Gerard Lyons, who previously advised former PM Liz Truss, has also hit out at previous Tory governments over their Brexit policies 'The major challenges facing the UK have long predated Brexit and solutions are not reliant on being in the EU.' Dr Lyons' comments, as reported by The Telegraph, come after Sir Keir Starmer promised his government would oversee a 'reset' of relations with Europe. While he has pushed for a closer trade relationship, the Labour leader has repeatedly ruled out rejoining the single market or customs union. That pledge, along with the rejection of a possible return to freedom of movement, was outlined in Labour's manifesto, and is described as one of the 'red lines' Starmer will not cross in his pursuit of a better trade deal with Brussels. Such commitments put the Labour leadership at odds with some of their MPs and a large section of supporters, who continue to favour rejoining the bloc. Dr Lyons argued that much of the 'clamour' around the benefits of the single market was 'based on a misunderstanding of our underlying growth issues'. He pointed out that Britain's persistent trade deficit first developed in the 1980s, while it was an EU member. He added that any future relationship with the EU should not be based on 'wishful thinking' but on 'an accurate assessment of the current situation'. The economist, who previously advised former PM Liz Truss, has also hit out at previous Tory governments and what he described as their failure to 'deliver a properly thought-out post-Brexit economic policy'. It comes after Sir Keir Starmer promised his government would oversee a 'reset' of relations with Europe He contended that by not capitalising on the potential benefits of leaving the EU they had 'helped to create an economically damaging narrative about the UK on the global stage'. After his election last month, the new PM vowed to improve what he called the 'botched deal' signed by former premier Boris Johnson. Speaking in Belfast, Starmer said his new government would first need to implement changes under the current agreement to build trust with the European Union. 'We're not going to be able to get a better relationship unless we've demonstrated commitment to the relationship and the agreements that have already been put in place,' he said. But last week, it was reported that Brussels presented the UK with a list of demands in return for closer ties. Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic set out eight demands during his first meeting with Europe minister Nick Thomas-Symonds last month. They include fully implementing the existing Brexit agreements on Northern Ireland, and gold-plating the rights of EU citizens living in Britain as a 'test of good faith', according to the FT. The family of a British tourist are seeking help after the holidaymaker mysteriously went missing in Thailand. Simon Robinson, 27, from Skegness, Lincolnshire, was due to fly back to the United Kingdom on July 26, but he never boarded his flight at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok. His phone signal was last detected in Bangkok and he disappeared five minutes before reaching the airport. Worried family and friends said they have contacted the British Embassy in Bangkok to help find Simon's whereabouts. But with no progress on the case, they have turned to social media to appeal for help. Simon Robinson, 27, from Skegness, Lincolnshire, was due to fly back to the United Kingdom on July 26 Simon's phone signal was last detected in Bangkok and he disappeared five minutes before reaching the airport Simon's friend, Sam Champ, wrote online, posting a picture of him on August 2: 'One of my dear friends has gone missing in Bangkok, he hasn't been heard from since the 26th of July. 'He was supposed to board a flight that day and he didn't show up. It was his 27th birthday yesterday and everyone is growing very concerned. 'He has been reported as a missing person. I've attached a picture of him, his name is Simon Robinson and he's from Lincolnshire. If anyone could share this post onward to anyone in Bangkok or Thailand I'd be so grateful.' Simon's sister Sarah said she had received 'hundreds of messages' after appeals to find him were launched online. She thanked people for sharing pictures of her brother and urged those in Bangkok who had seen the posts to keep an eye out for him. Writing on Facebook, she added that Interpol was looking into the case and that so far she has received no updates. The foreign office has been contacted for comment. It comes after an Australian tourist also went missing in Thailand in July. Nursing student Kieran James Cramer, 28, arrived in the Southeast Asian country on July 1, but vanished and could not be contacted by his family for around 15 days. Kieran's father, Darren Cramer, travelled from Australia to Thailand to search for his son. Mr Cramer had feared Kieran might be in danger and filed reports with the local Chalong Police, the Australian embassy and Interpol. His son was eventually found in Bangkok on July 24, though the circumstances of his disappearance were still unclear. Former home secretary Priti Patel today blasted Nigel Farage's claim that there is an impression of 'two-tier policing' in Britain. The Tory leadership candidate dismissed the Reform UK leader's remarks as 'not correct' and 'not relevant' as she condemned ongoing 'thuggery' across the country. She hit out after Mr Farage issued a fresh response to the outbreak of rioting in the wake of the Southport stabbing attack, having faced a fierce backlash over previous comments. The Clacton MP said he was 'totally appalled' by the violence and suggested the army should be called in if the situation deteriorates further. But Mr Farage added that 'deeper long-term problems remain' and claimed the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 had left an impression of 'two-tier policing'. A narrative of 'politicised' or 'two-tier policing' has been pushed by far-right figures, including England Defence League founder Tommy Robinson. Former home secretary Priti Patel today blasted Nigel Farage 's claim that there is an impression of 'two-tier policing' in Britain The Tory leadership candidate dismissed the Reform UK leader's remarks as 'not correct' and 'not relevant' as she condemned ongoing 'thuggery' across the country Riot police officers are pictured pushing back masked men outside the Holiday Inn Express hotel, which is housing asylum seekers, in Rotherham In a social media post, Mr Farage wrote: 'Ever since the soft policing of the Black Lives Matter protests, the impression of two-tier policing has become widespread. 'The Prime Minister's faltering attempts to address the current crisis have only added to that sense of injustice.' But, speaking to Times Radio, Dame Priti - who was in charge of the Home Office between 2019 to 2022 - said there was a 'stark difference' between previous protests and the violent riots of the past week. 'I've seen the statement and the comments that he has made, particularly about the Black Lives Matter protest, which, by the way, took place during the pandemic when we had a range of restrictions around protest,' the former home secretary said. 'There's a clear difference between effectively blocking streets or roads being closed to burning down libraries, hotels, food banks and attacking places of worship. What we have seen is thuggery, violence, racism. 'Those kinds of comments are simply not relevant right now. That is not correct. It is not correct. 'There's a stark difference between what we've been seeing over the last week. Over the last week we saw the most appalling stabbings in Southport. 'Horrific crimes being committed. We've seen violence and thuggery on the streets. 'What we saw during the pandemic, we saw protest. We believe in free speech. We saw protests that were being policed. 'What we're seeing right now is thuggery and disorder and criminality. There is a complete distinction between the two.' Mr Farage is continuing to face a backlash for his remarks immediately after last Monday's attack in Southport, which left three girls dead, when he suggested the facts of the incident were being withheld from the public. Dame Priti said politicians need to make sure they are 'fully informed' before commenting on issues on social media. 'As we've seen, and as BJ Harrington, the Chief Constable of Essex, the national police lead for public order, has said very clearly, a lot of what we have seen is down to misinformation and social media,' she added. 'It is irresponsible to just look at what we see on X or other social media platforms and then effectively say 'Oh, it's all down to, you know, comments like this that have been put out on social media, that's got the full facts' it does not. 'We have to, as elected politicians, always be careful, number one in the language that we use but ensure that we are as fully informed as we can possibly be before commenting on the situation.' Asked directly whether Mr Farage was wrong to suggest the facts about Southport were being withheld from the public, Dame Priti said his comments were 'a matter for him'. Meanwhile, two MPs hoping to become the next Tory leader also criticised him. What we have seen is thuggery, violence, racism. Robert Jenrick told the BBC: I dont follow all the comments Nigel Farage says but I dont think any of us should be doing anything to make the job of the police more difficult at this time. And James Cleverly told LBC: Politicians have to be thoughtful about the language they use. Particularly, when arson is happening, lives genuinely at risk... your job is not to get clicks and likes on social media. Kim Johnson, the Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside, has called for 'urgent action' from the House of Commons standards watchdog for Mr Farage to be held 'to account' for his remarks. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and fled the country by helicopter, media reports said today, bringing an end to her 15-year rule. Her escape came as thousands of Bangladeshi protesters stormed the palace of the Prime Minister amid mass demonstrations demanding she quit. Bangladesh's Channel 24 broadcast images of crowds running into the premier's official residence in the capital, waving to the camera as they celebrated. Reports of her resignation came after more people were killed in some of the worst violence since the birth of the South Asian nation more than five decades ago. 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 last month. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (pictured July 25) has resigned and fled the country on Monday, media reports said. People gather around the Prime Minister's residence People celebrate the resignation of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka, Bangladesh, August 5 People shake hands with army personnel as they celebrate the resignation of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka, Bangladesh, August 5 That triggered more protests demanding accountability from the government, which have grew into calls for Hasina to step down. At least 95 people, including at least 14 police officers, died in clashes in the capital on Sunday, according to the country's leading Bengali-language daily newspaper, Prothom Alo. Hundreds more were injured in the violence. Following reports of her resignation, jubilant looking crowds waved flags, some dancing on top of a tank in the streets of Dhaka on Monday morning, before hundreds broke through the gates of Hasina's official residence. Bangladesh's Channel 24 broadcast images of crowds running into the compound, waving to the camera as they celebrated. A source close to Hasina, 76, had earlier told AFP news agency she had left her palace for a 'safer place'. Bangladesh's army chief Waker-Uz-Zaman confirmed that Hasina had resigned on Monday, and said an interim government would run the country. In the UK, Downing Street said swift action should be taken to 'ensure democracy prevails' in the country of 171 million people. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said Sir Keir Starmer is 'deeply saddened by the violence we've seen in Bangladesh in recent weeks'. 'It's obviously escalated in recent days. A very significant loss of life, including of students, children and law enforcement officers is completely unacceptable. 'The right to peaceful protest must be protected and never subjected to violence, and we call on the authorities to release all peaceful protesters and ensure due process is followed for those charged and prosecuted,' he added. Before the protesters had stormed the compound, Hasina's son urged the country's security forces to block any takeover from her 15-year rule. 'Your duty is to keep our people safe and our country safe and to uphold the constitution,' her son, US-based Sajeeb Wazed Joy, said in a post on Facebook. 'It means don't allow any unelected government to come in power for one minute, it is your duty.' Security forces had supported Hasina's government throughout the unrest., But the protesters defied curfews and deadly force. Footage broadcast of Bangladesh television showed people taking to the streets in celebration A man is seen chipping parts off a statue in footage broadcast on Bangladesh television People celebrate the resignation of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka, Bangladesh, August 5 News of Hasina's resignation emerged as thousands of Bangladeshi protesters stormed the palace of the Prime Minister amid mass demonstrations demanding she quit Smoke is rising from the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University premises after a clash between students and government supporters during a protest in Dhaka, , on August 4 Protesters and government supporters countrywide battled each other with sticks and knives, and security forces opened fire. Sunday's violence took the total number of people killed since protests began in early July to at least 300, according to an AFP tally based on police, government officials and doctors at hospitals. Waker told officers on Saturday that the military 'always stood by the people', according to an official statement. The military declared an emergency in January 2007 after widespread political unrest and installed a military-backed caretaker government for two years. Hasina has ruled Bangladesh since 2009 and won her fourth consecutive election in January after a vote without genuine opposition. Her government is accused by rights groups of misusing state institutions to entrench its hold on power and stamp out dissent, including through the extrajudicial killing of opposition activists. Demonstrations began over the reintroduction of a quota scheme that reserved more than half of all government jobs for certain groups. The protests escalated despite the scheme having been scaled back by Bangladesh's top court. Soldiers and police with armoured vehicles in Dhaka had barricaded routes to Hasina's office with barbed wire on Monday morning, but vast crowds flooded the streets, tearing down barriers. The Business Standard newspaper estimated as many as 400,000 protesters were on the streets but it was impossible to verify the figure. 'The time has come for the final protest,' said Asif Mahmud, one of the key leaders in the nationwide civil disobedience campaign. In several cases, soldiers and police did not intervene to stem Sunday's protests, unlike during the past month of rallies that repeatedly ended in deadly crackdowns. 'Let's be clear: The walls are closing in on Hasina: She's rapidly losing support and legitimacy,' Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Washington-based Wilson Center, told AFP. 'The protests have taken on immense momentum, fuelled by raw anger but also by the confidence that comes with knowing that so much of the nation is behind them,' he said. Bangladesh army personnel stand guard during a curfew following clashes between police and Anti-Discrimination Student Movement activists amid anti-government protests in the ShahbagA area of Dhaka on August 5, 2024 In a hugely symbolic rebuke of Hasina, a respected former army chief demanded the government 'immediately' withdraw troops and allow protests. 'Those who are responsible for pushing people of this country to a state of such an extreme misery will have to be brought to justice,' ex-army chief General Ikbal Karim Bhuiyan told reporters Sunday. The anti-government movement had attracted people from across society in the South Asian nation of about 170 million people, including film stars, musicians and singers. This is a breaking news story. More to follow... Stonestown Galleria is pictured in 2023. A group of men vandalized and robbed a store at the shopping complex on Saturday. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle San Francisco police are searching for a group of men they say vandalized and robbed a Stonestown Galleria business on Saturday. According to the San Francisco Police Department, eyewitnesses reported that the group entered the store around 6:45 p.m., smashed glass display cases and stole merchandise. Police did not name the store or specify what was stolen. Officers had not identified any suspects or made any arrests as of Sunday evening. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A suspected rioter sobbed in the dock today while a woman who pushed a wheelie bin at police complained she had poor mental health. Curtis Coulson, who is accused of waving a stick 'in a threatening manner' towards a woman during a riot in Sheffield, wiped away tears throughout his 20 minute-long appearance in court today. The 30-year-old, who denied one charge of affray, became even more upset when he was refused bail and remanded in custody at Sheffield Magistrates Court. He was among at least 25 riot suspects to be hauled before court today. Leanne Hodgson, 43, admitted violent disorder after pushing a wheelie bin at police in Sunderland. She was also remanded in custody, as her lawyer told magistrates that she had an 'alcohol problem' and suffered from poor mental health. Meanwhile, in Liverpool, 28-year-old career criminal Adam Wharton pleaded guilty to burglary in relation to serious disorder on Saturday night at Spellow Library in Walton, which was torched and looted. He said 'nice one lad' as he was led down to the cells. Leanne Hodgson told magistrates she had an ' alcohol problem' and suffered from poor mental health. She pushed a wheelie bin at police in Sunderland Leanne Hodgson, Josh Kellett and Andrew Smith have all pleaded guilty to violent disorder following scenes in Sunderland last Friday evening. Adam Wharton, 28, of Walton, pleaded guilty to burglary in relation to serious disorder on Saturday night at the Spellow Library and community hub A flaming wheelie bin is pushed towards officers during a violent demonstration in Middlesbrough Gareth Rigby, 43, admitted a single charge of using threatening words or behaviour while Daniel Robinson, 37, admitted possessing a hammer Hamza Mohammed (left), 23, a salesman from Bolton, was charged with possessing fireworks, while Derek Drummond (right), 58, punched a police officer in the face Downing Street held an emergency Cobra response meeting this morning, with Sir Keir Starmer saying a 'standing army' of specialist police officers had been assembled to crack down on any further rioting. It comes as a disturbing post emerged on Telegram channel Southport Wake Up which called for attacks against 39 immigration centres. The post, seen by The Times, read: 'Wednesday night lads. They wont [sic] stop coming until you tell them... No more immigration. 8pm.' Three men appeared in court this morning in connection with violent disorder that broke out yesterday in Bolton, where around 300 masked Muslim people shouting 'Allahu Akbar' or 'God is greatest' charged towards anti-immigration marchers, with rival groups throwing missiles at each another. Hamza Mohammed, 23, a salesman from Bolton, was charged with possessing fireworks, while Daniel Robinson, 37, of admitted possessing a hammer. Gareth Rigby was fined after he admitted a single charge of using threatening words or behaviour. The 43-year-old had 15 previous convictions for 23 offences including being drunk and disorderly last year. Gareth Metcalfe, 44, Derek Drummond, 58, and John O'Malley, 43, who were all charged with violent disorder that broke out on Merseyside. A 14-year-old boy from Toxteth pleaded guilty to violent disorder. The court heard the boy, who cannot be named because of his age, said 'I'm sorry, I wasn't firing them at you, though', when he was arrested by police after they gave chase. He had five fireworks and a lighter in his possession. In Bristol, Adrian Croft, 45, of Flintshire, was charged with a Section 4 public order offence and possession of a Class A drug; while Damien Williams, 39, of Knowle, was charged with a Section 4 public order offence. Both men have been bailed and will appear at Bristol Magistrates' Court on Thursday. Six people are due to appear at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court today charged with violent disorder that took place in Sunderland. Josh Kellett, 29, of Washington, admitted violent disorder and was remanded in custody for sentencing at crown court on September 2. The court heard he was seen on footage throwing a stone towards police officers while part of a large group on Friday. He was wearing a balaclava but was identified by his 'distinctive tattoos,' it was said. Andrew Smith, 41, also pleaded guilty to violent disorder and has been remanded in custody until September 2. Shaun Doran, 48, of Sunderland, pleaded not guilty to the same offence. Clinton Morrison, 31, of Sunderland, was remanded in custody after being accused of violent disorder, but did not make a plea. Tamsyn Kerr, 21, and Carl Holliday, 31, have been remanded in custody after being charged with violent disorder. Sir Keir paid tribute to police officers tackling disorder on Britain's streets during this morning's Cobra meeting. His official spokesman told reporters: 'The Prime Minister convened a meeting of Cobra this morning to update on the response for the disorder we've seen. This follows a series of meetings last week and over the weekend. 'Cobra was attended by the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, Home Secretary, Justice Secretary, DSIT (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) Secretary, Attorney General, Chief Secretary and leaders from police, prison service, NCA (National Crime Agency) and other senior officials. 'The PM paid tribute to the hard work of police officers over the past week and sent best wishes to those who have been injured protecting our streets. 'There have been hundreds of arrests and people are already being charged, and police will continue to update on the specifics in relation to progress or arrests and charging. 'The police are continuing to deploy additional resource around the country at strategic locations where necessary.' The recent disorder echoes the 2011 riots, which began following the shooting by police of Mark Duggan in Tottenham before breaking out into riots across London and then other cities in England. Looter Gordon Thompson received one of the strongest sentences in the aftermath of the riots, with the thug locked up for 11-and-a-half years for setting fire to House of Reeves, a family run furniture store in Croydon. Steven Mailen, 54, appeared in court over unrest in Hartlepool Ryan Sheers, 28, wept during the hearing over rioting in Hartlepool Sheers (left) and Mailen (right) seen dancing and shouting at police officers during the disorder Spellow Library was torched and looted, with pictures showing the burnt-out interior Scenes after last night's riots in Middlesbrough saw burnt out cars and debris scattered across the town Fires in Middlesbrough caused serious damage to homes and businesses over the weekend Racist graffiti was pictured in Tamworth this morning with phrases 'Get out England' and 'F*** P****' Hundreds of police officers have been injured in clashes with thugs, as far-right activists led the way in attacking police officers, mosques and hotels thought to house asylum seekers this week Anti-Muslim chants were heard and in some areas of the country rioters were filmed stopping cars and interrogating drivers about whether they were 'white and English' Far-right protests spread across England and into Northern Ireland after the deaths of three little girls, fuelled by false information on social media (Pictured: Attendees confront police in Belfast) Posts in a Telegram channel called Southport Wake Up listed a series of immigration lawyers and advice centres and urged its 12,000 members to attack them at 8pm on Wednesday Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly said this week's violence is 'clearly far-right extremism' that is 'driven by racism' and said he would have called a Cobra meeting sooner. Riots have broken out across the country fuelled by misinformation on social media since three little girls were stabbed to death at a Taylor Swift themed dance class in Southport on Monday. Hundreds of police officers have been injured in clashes with thugs, as far-right activists led the way in attacking police officers, mosques and hotels thought to house asylum seekers this week. Anti-Muslim chants were heard and in some areas of the country rioters were filmed stopping cars and interrogating drivers about whether they were 'white and English'. Communities are now coming together to begin the massive clean-up operation in areas including Rotherham, Middlesbrough and Tamworth. The Home Office announced yesterday 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. On Saturday night Spellow Lane Library in Liverpool was torched while in Sunderland local travel agents Hays Travel, known for its commitment to raising money for charity, had its storefront smashed. In Rotherham, anti-immigration rioters smashed the windows of the Holiday Inn Express before starting fires in an apparent attempt to set the building alight while dozens of people were inside it. At least 10 officers were injured there, 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. Racist chants were heard at multiple riots across the country, with images appearing to show some members of the mobs performing Nazi salutes. 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: 'It's our f****** country.' Video footage showed groups of youths and young men running from house to house and smashing windows and cars parked outside, throwing bricks, traffic cones and other objects. Youths also appeared to loot a branch of Iceland, with one teenager running out triumphantly while holding a bottle of Friji. Outside hotels in the north of England, thugs tried to force their way inside and threw chairs, bins and bricks Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly condemned arson attacks on hotels on Sky News this morning Hundreds of arrests have been made and many officers injured, with some having to be taken to hospital Riots spread from Southport across the country last week in horror scenes that have terrified communities And footage from a local park appeared to show a group of white men and boys with faces covered surrounding and attacking a group, with violence erupting before they fled the scene. Nearby, a Muslim leader at a mosque told community members who had turned out to protect their place of worship to 'show the world what Muslims are really like'. Addressing far-right violence in the town, he said: 'They are doing all the wrong things. We don't want to be part of it.' Other local Muslims were seen carrying tea and coffee to police officers on the front line of the town amid fierce violence from the far-right. There were 43 arrests, and significant damage was caused to the Crown Court and the University, Cleveland Police said. 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'. And in Weymouth, police said three people were arrested and dispersal orders put in place for several teenagers. A 42-year-old man from Yeovil was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence, a 62-year-old man from Yeovil was arrested for being drunk and disorderly and a 27-year-old man from Weymouth was arrested for assault. Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan said two officers were injured - one when a bottle his them in the face and a second who was punched in the head. He said: 'There were rumours circulating that asylum seekers currently housed on the Bibby Stockholm would be moved to Portland, Weymouth or the wider Dorset Council area but the Home Office have confirmed this is not the case. 'In addition, there are no asylum seekers housed in hotels in the Weymouth area.' Hundreds of people came together in Middlesbrough on Monday to begin a huge clean-up operation Local people in Middlesbrough clear broken glass and other hazards from the scene Home Secretary Yvette Cooper appeared on the media round this morning as she condemned far-right violence Riot police officers push back violent far-right activists outside the Holiday Inn Express Hotel after attempts were made to set fire to it - with dozens thought to be inside at the time Rioters attacked police officers in Rotherham on Sunday as far-right thugs led unrest Thugs in balaclavas hurled chairs, wood and bricks at hotels on Sunday, causing thousands of pounds of damage At one of the hotels attacked on Sunday the damage was clear to see once far-right thugs had left the scene Serious damage has been done to buildings including hotels, libraries, local shops and homes since disorder started last week A police dog handler during the far-right demonstration outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham The widespread unrest poses the biggest challenge yet to Sir Keir's 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 race riots have spread from Southport to cities including London, Leeds, Rotherham, Manchester, Blackbool, Belfast and Aldershot. It comes after Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said there would be a 'reckoning' following unrest across England, as she pledged that anyone involved in the riots will 'pay the price'. She told Sky News: 'It's a total disgrace and there has to be a reckoning. Those individuals who are involved in the disorder need to know that they will pay a price.' 'I've made clear to the police they have my full support in going after the full range of offenders, from those who turned up at the last minute and joined in the looting, to some of the most serious offenders who were pursuing really dangerous arson, really dangerous damage and criminal violence, because we simply cannot stand for this. 'So we should be clear, there will be people who were thinking they were going on their summer holidays this week, and instead they will face a knock on the door from the police. 'They will face arrest and... a police cell, while they wait for trial in order to make sure that they do pay the price for what they have done,' she added. Ms Cooper claimed that social media has put 'rocket boosters' under far-right organisations. But she said the courts are on 'stand-by' to ensure 'swift justice': 'We have made sure that the courts are on stand-by. We've made sure that there are additional prosecutors in place this weekend, and hundreds of arrests have already taken place. So we do expect swift justice to take place.' Scenes in Middlesbrough on Monday morning after residents wake up to the after-effects of rioting Residents saw their car windows smashed and businesses suffered attacks including arson Asked if the Army would be called upon, Ms Cooper said: 'So, the police have the expertise and also the powers in terms of dealing with public order and crime, because this is crime. 'There are also significant additional numbers of public order-trained police, who were not deployed this weekend, so there are considerable additional policing resources that forces can call upon.' Pressed on whether the Government will take action against Tommy Robinson, who has been accused of stoking tensions from afar, Ms Cooper said: 'If it's a crime offline, it's a crime online.' 'You can't just have the the armchair thuggery or the people being able to incite and organise violence and also not face consequences for this,' she added. Shadow Secretary James Cleverly said: 'The things that we have seen are completely unjustified. These are the actions of people who are clearly responding to disinformation online but are obviously motivated by racism. 'We've seen people with Swastika tattoos and making the Nazi salute... attacking people who have no link at all to the terrible incidents that we saw in Southport last week and it is absolutely right that the government is taking firm action. 'When you've people giving Nazi salutes with Swastika tattoos that is clearly far-right extremism. 'It's clearly these attacks on mosques on hotels these are clearly driven by racism and should be unequivocally condemned.' But he also criticised Starmer's new government for not reacting quickly enough: 'They could and should have been quicker, it's worrying that it's only today that cobra is meeting. A masked thug faces off with police officers at the Holiday Inn in Rotherham while fire rages in the background Members of the public with bin bags, dustpans and brushes took to the streets today Volunteers pick up rubbish and debris from outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham Racist graffiti was daubed on the side of the hotel in Tamworth and windows and doors were smashed before thugs attempted to set the building on fire with people still inside One man was filmed threatening to slit the throats of those inside the hotel 'We want to support the government taking firm action against this violence but they have to move much more quickly and they have to be more agile, more decisive. Had I still be Home Secretary I would have called a Cobra much earlier than this.' He continued: 'I'm really uncomfortable with the idea that somehow this violence reflects a wider national move. This is a group of extreme people. 'People committing arson, attacking mosques, targeting asylum hotels, they are not reflective of the country. This is a generous and open hearted country. The people in this country are not represented by the thugs that are attacking people, committing arson and targeting places of worship.' 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 Sunak's 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'. Ms Cooper slammed actions taken by rioters this week after more than 420 people were arrested, as she warned 'many more will follow' as authorities scour CCTV footage to identify all those involved. Clashes, sparked by the murder of three little girls in Southport last Monday, deteriorated further yesterday when a second migrant hotel was set ablaze in Tamworth, while hundreds cheered and clinked beers outside. In Middlesbrough far-right yobs were filmed stopping traffic to interrogate the passengers to check they were 'white and English'. Keir Starmer also waded in to warn far-Right rioters 'you'll regret taking part' as he tried to stamp his authority over the first major test of his Premiership. He blasted 'far-Right thuggery', for which he promised swift justice as he is expected to call a COBRA meeting today. Meanwhile, the Tories were forced to reprimand Shadow Wales Secretary Lord Davies of Gower after The Mail on Sunday columnist Dan Hodges said there was 'no political justification' for the riots and Lord Davies retorted: 'Labour blocked the Rwanda Bill 130+ times, of course it's politically justified!' This comes as: ROTHERHAM: Police defend themselves as far-right thugs launch planks of wood on Sunday ROTHERHAM: Violent thugs yesterday attacked a hotel reported to be housing asylum seekers ROTHERHAM: A rioter throws blocks of concrete towards a hotel on Sunday This came after Tommy Robinson posted a video of a confrontation in Stoke and falsely claimed two 'protesters' had been stabbed 'by Muslims'. The post was viewed two million times on X. Two hours later, Staffordshire Police confirmed the information was false. Those injured were hit by something thrown by their own side. Actor Laurence Fox has also shared a string of false claims. On Friday night, he posted a list of dozens of acts of violence he alleged had been committed by immigrants under the caption: 'Anyone else had enough?' Among them was the claim that a 'woman [was] beaten to death by two Somalis while walking her dog' understood to have been a reference to last month's murder of Anita Rose, 57, in Brantham, Suffolk. Three people have been arrested in connection with the murder, but Suffolk Police last night confirmed Fox's tweet was not correct. 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. '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. A group of protesters were kept apart from counter protesters in Bolton this afternoon A fire extinguisher is sprayed at riot police in Rotherham Property is vandalised as far-right activists in Middlesbrough Thugs try to cram into the migrant hotel through a damaged fire exit in Rotherham ROTHERHAM: Police have been trying to fend off agitators outside the hotel yesterday Yvette Cooper slammed actions taken by rioters this week, as more than 420 people have been arrested, warning 'many more will follow' as authorities scour CCTV footage for criminals Starmer blasted 'far-Right thuggery', for which he promised swift justice amid another day of violent scenes nationwide. He is today expected to hold an emergency COBRA Cabinet meeting, attended by police chiefs, in a bid to ensure the crisis does not spiral further out of control. He also opened the door yesterday to tougher sentences to act as a 'deterrent', saying he will do 'whatever it takes' to crack down on the violence. He said the sentences would mirror action taken to deal with thuggery during the 2011 riots, when he was Director of Public Prosecutions. An asylum seeker who was staying at the Holiday Inn in Tamworth when it was set alight, told the Times of his terror as he was beaten up by the mob when they broke in. 'They came onto this floor and hit me until the police drove them down the corridor.' While another 55-year-old Palestinian said his window was pelted with rocks thrown at his window. 'I was taking some tea when they ran down shouting f***, f***, f***. A shirtless man was shouting and making so much noise. They broke the windows. There were eight on my floor.' While John Woodcock, a former Labour MP, called for MI6, MI5 and GCHQ to be given additional powers that would allow them to ask social media firms to take down accounts that try to 'fan the flames of British extreme actors'. Malaysia has become the first country to warn its citizens about the dangers of visiting Britain at the moment. 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.' More than 300 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. Police officers stand near the broken windows of the hotel during an anti-immigration riot ROTHERHAM: Police try to control the deplorable violence after a mob attacked a hotel A thug throws a brick at a parked car during an anti-immigration riot in Middlesbrough Police have said that there was a 'staggering' surge of violence which led to 35 people being arrested in Middlesbrough on Sunday. 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. Cleveland Police said it has now arrested 55 people because of the violence that has swept across Teesside as 20 suspects were also arrested after rioting in Hartlepool on Wednesday. Assistant Chief Constable David Felton said: 'The level of violence we have seen today is staggering. 'We know the shocking scenes across Middlesbrough today will have caused alarm amongst communities. 'I want to reassure the people of Teesside that we will continue to identify those involved in these acts of violence and arrest them and put them before the courts.' 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 rioters and police broke out, with footage showing the activists pushing against officers who had formed a human barricade. There was also an counter protest in Bolton, where it was reported that large groups of Asian men could be heard shouting 'Allahu Akbar' as they clashed with the far-right. Last night experts condemned the 'dangerous' behaviour and also called for stricter action against those spreading misinformation. Festus Akinbusoye, a former police and crime commissioner, said: 'Of course there are discussions to be had about the level of immigration, the type of immigration and issues like integration. 'But misinformation and xenophobic narratives are wrong, irresponsible and dangerous. These actions are having real world consequences and the people spreading dangerous lies need to be brought to book.' 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 yesterday A man is detained as Far-right activists hold a demonstration in Middlesbrough An thug wearing a Union Jack mask outside of the Holiday Inn Express An aerial view of the rioters gathering outside of the Holiday Inn Express Counter-protesters shout at police officers as they push against a cordon in Bolton Objects thrown at the hotel as trouble flares during an anti-immigration attack outside the Holiday Inn Express LIVERPOOL: Police officers attend to a shell-shocked colleague after a face-off with thugs on Saturday Mr Akinbusoye, who was Britain's first black PCC, added: 'Our entire criminal justice system is going to have to be revisited in terms of how the authorities are going to be able to legitimately counter and pre-empt these narratives. 'I understand that police forces need to be careful about what they put into the public domain but they need to... publish safe information whenever possible.' Tory leadership hopeful Mel Stride said the scrapping of pilots of rapid-response police units, introduced by the Tories last March, may make it harder to tackle the current disorder. 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 thugs 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. 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'. A mother accused of stabbing her two young children was allegedly high on a cocktail of meth, cannabis and prescription medication at the time, a court has heard. Megan Jayne Somerville, 37. appeared in Adelaide's Supreme Court via videolink on Monday from a closed mental health facility. Somerville has been detained at the facility since the alleged attempted murder of her sons, aged three and eight, on the city's North-South Motorway on August 15, 2022. Emergency services were called to the motorway at about 11.30pm following reports Somerville had been detained by members of the public who had intervened. It's alleged Somerville had pulled over her silver Honda sedan, removed her children from the car and stabbed them 'a number of times' with a knife. The boys were rushed to the Women's and Children's Hospital in Adelaide, where they underwent emergency surgery. In December 2022, the Modbury Heights mum pleaded not guilty to two charges of attempted murder due to mental incompetence. But last October, Justice Sandi McDonald heard that Somerville would likely not contest the fact that she allegedly attacked her children, despite reports prepared by the defence concluding that she was mentally incompetent at the time. Megan Jayne Somerville (pictured) has pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of her two young sons Somerville (pictured) allegedly stabbed her two sons multiple times on the side of a motorway in 2022 Professor Jason White told the court on Monday that Somerville was believed to be a 'frequent' or 'daily drug user'. Significant amounts of both illicit and prescription drugs were found in her system both 85 minutes and 14 hours after the alleged stabbings, the court heard. The tests found 0.39mg of methylamphetamine per litre of blood meaning it could have been as high as 0.43mg at 11.30pm. 'Methylamphetamine was detected in the blood sample, which is illicit in Australia. Amphetamine was also detected, that is both a therapeutic and an illicit drug,' Professor White told the court. '... Therapeutic concentrations (of the drug) typically are in the range of .02 to .05, so (her results) were about ten times that.' 'THC was also detected, which is the main active compound in cannabis.' Somerville (pictured) claims she should not be found guilty of attempted murder due to her poor mental health at the time of the alleged attack Somerville (pictured) appeared in Adelaide's Supreme Court via video link on Monday morning from a closed mental health facility Prescribed antipsychotic medications were also detected. Professor White believes the high concentration of drugs found in Somerville's system could have made her impulsive, confused, agitated, paranoid and obsessive. He also concluded the drugs could have worsened an un underlying mental condition, like schizophrenia. The court also heard that a friend had given evidence that of Somerville's had 'obtained' an '8-ball' of meth the night before the alleged attack. Justice McDonald will hear further evidence later this week. Police today searched two new 'locations of interest' over the murder of mother-of-six Anita Rose as they continue to hunt for the pink jacket she was wearing. Three people have been arrested after the 57-year-old dog walker was found injured and unconscious with head injuries in the Suffolk village of Brantham on July 24. She had left home to take her springer spaniel Bruce for a walk at about 5am before being discovered near Rectory Lane by a member of the public at about 6.25am. The East of England Ambulance Service called Suffolk Police shortly after 8am and she was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, where she died on July 28. Now, detectives say they have identified 'two further locations of interest' in the Newmill Lane area of the village and cordons were put in place yesterday. Anita Rose was found unconscious near a train line after taking her dog for a walk on July 24 Police officers search fields in Brantham, Suffolk, on July 29, near where Anita Rose was found Anita Rose had gone on a walk with her beloved springer spaniel Bruce (pictured) They said there will be a continued police presence in the area as officers carry out further inquiries as they continue to search for the jacket she was wearing. The pink jacket is a zip-up, waterproof jacket and is believed to be from an outdoor clothing brand, possibly Regatta. Three people have been arrested in connection with Ms Rose's death after she was found on an isolated track. A man in his 20s from Brantham was arrested on suspicion of murder last Wednesday and bailed on Saturday until October 24. A 45-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and later re-arrested on suspicion of murder, and a 37-year-old woman was held on suspicion of handling stolen goods. Both of these people, who are from Ipswich, have been released on police bail, with conditions to return on October 25. Anita Rose took her dog for a walk at about 5am on July 28 and was found at about 6.25am CCTV images issued by Suffolk Police of Anita Rose before she was found in Brantham An aerial view of the footpath between the railway line and sewage works where she was found A Home Office post-mortem examination has been carried out but failed to establish the cause of Ms Rose's death, with further tests now being carried out. Police said after the post-mortem that officers were continuing to investigate the case as murder. Ms Rose's son Ash Rose posted an appeal on Facebook last week for the public to help police with their investigation. He wrote: 'The person responsible for doing this to my mum and my children's Granma is still out there! 'Our family appreciates the kind words but please please SHARE and SPEAK to friends or family who may know something no matter how small or insignificant they think it might be and please urge them to contact the police. Thank you.' And her partner Richard Jones posted: 'This was my beautiful Anita absolute heartbroken love you always and forever in my heart.' Anita Rose, pictured with her partner Richard Jones, was described as 'well known and loved' Anita Rose tragically died four days after she was found with serious head injuries In addition, a touching tribute issued by her family read: 'Our mum was well known and loved in the community. 'She was brutally taken from us devastatingly too early, and we have been robbed of so much time with her. 'She wasn't just a mum of six, she was also a grandma to 13, a long-term partner, a mother-in-law and a special friend to so many. 'Someone somewhere must know something, and we urge them to come forward. We want to thank everyone for their love and support. All we ask is for everyone to cherish their time with their family and loved ones.' Detectives have urged local residents with CCTV or doorbell cameras to review their footage. They also asked passengers travelling on trains towards Ipswich, Colchester or Manningtree on the morning of July 24 who may have seen anything suspicious to contact the force. Officers on the scene where the dog walker was reportedly attacked in Brantham last month Bradley James, 28, a tractor driver who lives in the area, said: 'Dog walkers always use these paths. It's quite tragic, really you don't get anything like that happening in this village. 'A lot of people are a bit nervous to go walking their dogs. My mum is scared because you don't know what's going on.' Ian Swan, 58, from nearby Mistley, added: 'It always seems very safe down there usually. 'There's plenty of people around I've never been out here and not met someone.' Rosie Rawlinson said she walked her dogs three or four times a day along the route, adding: 'Nothing like this has ever happened in the four and a half years I've been here. 'I was scared this morning on my early walk, I must admit.' A view of the path between the railway line and the sewage works where Anita Rose was found It comes after actor Laurence Fox referenced the case in a string of claims posted online in recent days amid the riots being held across the UK. On Friday night, he posted a list of dozens of acts of violence he alleged had been committed by immigrants under the caption: 'Anyone else had enough?' Among them was the claim that a 'woman [was] beaten to death by two Somalis while walking her dog' - understood to have been a reference to Ms Rose's murder. But Suffolk Police last night confirmed Fox's tweet was not correct. Anyone with information is urged to contact Suffolk Police quoting 37/41580/24 or by phoning 101. Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 A Dutch judge has been slammed after he used ChatGPT to help reach a verdict in a case where thousands of euros were on the line. The judge in the Netherlands, Mr. RJJ van Acht, proudly admitted to consulting the AI in his assessment of a dispute between two homeowners fighting about whether an extension to one person's home had reduced the efficiency of the other's solar panels. ChatGPT, as well as other AIs like Google's Gemini, has long been criticised for being 'irrational' and prone to making simple mistakes. But this didn't stop the judge, from the subdistrict court in Gelderland, from twice asking ChatGPT to pump out facts about solar panels that directly contributed to the amount of damages paid to the defendant in the case. Van Acht said he asked ChatGPT to figure out the 'current average' price of electricity', as well as the 'average lifespan of solar panels.' Tech expert Henk van Ess, who also works with investigative journalist outlet Bellingcat, told AD: 'This is really unacceptable. This is ridiculous. You have to take every statement from ChatGPT with a grain of salt.' A Dutch judge has been slammed after he used ChatGPT to help reach a verdict in a case where thousands of euros were on the line (File image) ChatGPT has long been criticised for being 'irrational' and prone to making simple mistakes (File image) 'You can't just say that it is lifespan X based on ChatGPT. I was shocked by so much ignorance and hope that other judges do not secretly use the same methodology', he added. AI expert Jarno Duursma added that using ChatGPT, and other large language models (LLMs), was risky because they do 'not possess any real knowledge.' '[ChatGPT] is not a database. It is a computer system that predicts the next word in a sentence. Nothing more', he added. Despite the harsh warnings, the UK's Judicial Office, which supports courts across the country, published guidance earlier this year that gave judges the green light to use LLMs to help write legal rulings. In guidance issued to thousands of judges in England and Wales, the Judicial Office said the tool can be useful for summarising large amounts of text. But it said the chatbot was a 'poor way of conducting research' that was liable to invent past cases or legal texts. Master of the Rolls Sir Geoffrey Vos said AI 'offers significant opportunities in developing a better, quicker and more cost-effective digital justice system'. 'Technology will only move forwards and the judiciary has to understand what is going on,' he said. 'Judges, like everybody else, need to be acutely aware that AI can give inaccurate responses as well as accurate ones.' In September a judge described ChatGPT as 'jolly useful' as he admitted using it when writing a recent Court of Appeal ruling. Quoted in the Telegraph, Lord Justice Birss said: 'I think what is of most interest is that you can ask these large language models to summarise information. It is useful and it will be used and I can tell you, I have used it. 'I asked ChatGPT can you give me a summary of this area of law, and it gave me a paragraph. 'I know what the answer is because I was about to write a paragraph that said that, but it did it for me and I put it in my judgment. It's there and it's jolly useful. He was thought to be the first member of the British judiciary to reveal he used the AI tool to write his judgement. President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with his national security team in the Situation Room later on Monday amid heightened tensions between Iran and Israel. The Islamic Republic could attack Israel in the next 24 to 48 hours following a major attack by Hezbollah that left two IDF soldiers injured, top western diplomats have warned. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken told the G7 yesterday that an attack in response to Israel killing Hamas' political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Fuad Shukr in Beirut, was imminent, as reported by Axios. Meanwhile Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III reportedly spoke to his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant on Sunday to assure the Jewish state of US support. It would be the second time during the growing crisis in the Middle East that Iran has directly attacked Israel, the first being in April when it sent a salvo of missiles and drones overnight. President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with his national security team in the Situation Room later on Monday amid heightened tensions between Iran and Israel Stark footage from the region showed the Iron Dome system firing defensive missiles to intercept the barrage But unlike the April attack, the US admitted in a private call with G7 members that it doesn't know what the expected retaliatory strike will look like. Nevertheless, Iran has clearly signaled that it intends to attack its foe, claiming it has the 'legal right' to respond to Haniyeh's assassination, with foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanani telling a news conference: 'No one has the right to doubt Iran's legal right to punish the Zionist regime.' The head of the country's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, General Hossein Salami, meanwhile threatened Israel, warning that the state was 'digging its own grave' by carrying on its war against terror group Hamas. 'They will see the result of their mistake. They will see when, how and where they will get their response,' Salami said in a speech. The threats from Iran comes just hours after Hezbollah, backed by the Iranian regime, launched a silo of 30 missiles from Lebanon towards upper Galilee. Benjamin Netanyahu's (pictured) Israel is expecting an attack in the next 24 to 48 hours Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (pictured) is set to attack Israel imminently Stark footage from the region showed Israel's Iron Dome air defense system firing defensive missiles to intercept the barrage. Despite this, two Israeli troops were wounded in the attack, which also set off a fire in northern Israel. Hezbollah said in a statement it targeted a military base in northern Israel in response to 'attacks and assassinations' carried out by Israel in several villages in south Lebanon. The escalating tensions between Israel, Hezbollah and Iran have led to growing fears of an all-out war breaking out in the Middle East between Israel and Tehran's proxies. Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his nation is already in a 'multi-front war' with Iran, adding in a Cabinet meeting on Sunday that Israel is ready for any scenario. Netanyahu has also been accused of not being 'sincerely interested in a ceasefire', as Hamas' Haniyeh was the terror group's lead ceasefire negotiator. Middle East expert Andreas Krieg said that his killing, as well as Shukur's, collapsed months of work done by American, Qatari and Egyptian mediators. Despite the increasingly war-focused rhetoric and the diminishing hoped of a permanent ceasefire, many of Israel's allies are working to de-escalate tensions in the region. The US said on the G7 call on Sunday that its choice to increase its military capability in the region was to bolster defense. Two Israeli troops were wounded in the attack, which also set off a fire in northern Israel It was also reported to have asked the other members to apply diplomatic pressure on Israel, Iran and Hezbollah in an attempt to diffuse tensions. The G7 ministers said in a statement: 'We express our deep concern over the heightened level of tension in the Middle East which threatens to ignite a broader conflict in the region. 'We urge all involved parties to refrain from perpetuating the current destructive cycle of retaliatory violence, to lower tensions and engage constructively towards de-escalation. No country or nation stands to gain from further escalation in the Middle East.' In the meantime, several nations have commanded their citizens to leave the region amid fears that diplomatic measures to counter rising tensions fail. Japan and Turkey today told their citizens to leave Lebanon, while France and Italy told their citizens to leave a day prior. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas in retaliation for its unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel which 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 retaliatory campaign has killed at least 39,583 people in Gaza, according to the territory's health ministry, which does not give details of civilian and militant deaths. Police and crime commissioners could see households and businesses claiming for compensation of up to 1 million in the aftermath of riots erupting across the UK. Under the law in England and Wales, victims of criminal damage to their property and possessions during a riot are entitled to claim for losses. Questions about legal protection have been raised after several days of violent disorder in towns and cities including Liverpool, Rotherham, Tamworth, Middlesbrough and Hull, after three schoolgirls were stabbed to death at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport on Monday last week. Hundreds of police officers have been injured in clashes with thugs, as far-right activists led the way in attacking police officers, mosques and hotels thought to house asylum seekers. The aftermath of a Lush beauty shop in Hull, which was looted following riots across the UK in the last week Shoe Zone in Hull was gutted after it was hit by rioters A hotel used to house asylum seekers was targeted by far-right rioters in Rotherham Wheelie bins were torched outside Spellow Library and One Stop Shop in Liverpool And inside - where extensive damaged had been caused An investigator wearing protective gloves assesses the damage to the Shoe Zone shop in Hull after it was torched A cafe on the Donegall Road in south Belfast was damaged during disorder linked to anti-immigration protests in the city Islamophobic chants were heard and in some areas of the country rioters were filmed stopping cars and interrogating drivers about whether they were 'white and English'. Properties and shops including Shoe Zone, Sainsbury's, Lush and Greggs are among to have been targeted by people damaging, looting and setting fire to buildings. In Rotherham, anti-immigration rioters smashed the windows of the Holiday Inn Express before starting fires. A similar incident played out at a Holiday Inn hotel in Tamworth into Sunday evening, where reports suggested asylum seekers were also being housed. And in Rochdale, a Holiday Inn Express hotel for asylum seekers was also left with a lot of damage after it was targeted. HOW DOES THE COMPENSATION SCHEME WORK? Under the Riot Compensation Act, victims of damage, destruction and theft can claim for riot compensation if their home, business property, or possessions were not adequately insured. For most of England and Wales, the Police and Crime Commissioners - elected officials who oversee local policing - in the area where riots took place will foot the bill for eligible claims, according to government guidance. In London, the claims authorities are the mayor's office or police authorities. Costs can be covered in the form of compensation payments, or repairs paid for by the claims authority, including for some insured cars. Government guidance says potential victims should immediately contact police in the aftermath of a riot, and do not need to work out straight away what their losses might be. Insurance companies can also make a claim to be reimbursed after paying out in full or in part for people affected by riot damage. Claimants have 42 days to make a claim from the date the riot ends. More information is available at the gov.uk website. Advertisement 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: 'It's our f****** country.' And in Hull, the Lush store was left with smashed front windows and its beauty products littered outside the front door after thieves took over. But a piece of legislation under the Riot Compensation Act (RCA) gives victims of criminal damage or loss during a riot the right to compensation. Advice on the Government website states people can claim compensation under the RCA from the local police claims authority - crime commissioners, who oversee policing - if their property is not adequately insured. In order to qualify for compensation victims must demonstrate that the damage or loss they have suffered was as a result of a riot. Each RCA claim will be subject to a maximum compensation limit of 1m. Not all instances of damage or loss that occur during a period of civil disturbance will meet the criteria for compensation under the RCA. Insurance companies can also make a claim to be reimbursed after paying out in full or in part for people affected by riot damage. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer warned that people will 'regret taking part in this disorder' and said he 'won't shy away from what it is: far-right thuggery'. In a speech in Downing Street, he likened the events to rioting in 2011 when he was working as the Director of Public Prosecutions. He stressed it is 'violence' and 'not protests' that is sweeping the streets. However, guidance on the Government website notes that 'not all instances of damage or loss that occur during a period of civil disturbance will meet the criteria for compensation' under the riot regulations. A badly damaged supermarket on the Donegall Road in south Belfast Protesters appeared to lob missiles while others started fires in Rotherham at the weekend A car burns after it was set on fire during a demonstration in Middlesbrough by far right activists A police officer walks by a man cleaning up debris inside a Holiday Inn Express in Tamworth The Holiday Inn Express in Tamworth was left damaged by a violent mob Riot police stand next to the windows broken by protesters outside of the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham The first suspects have now appeared in court charged with offences linked to riots, in locations across the UK. Downing Street said anyone whipping up violence online could face prison. In a read-out of Monday morning's emergency Cobra meeting, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'The police, Home Office, DSIT (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) and NCA (National Crime Agency) are working to tackle criminality online, to ensure people are prosecuted for online criminal activity. And they are working to tackle misinformation and bot activity.' The official continued: 'I should be very clear that anyone who stokes this violence, whether on the internet or in person, can be prosecuted and face prison.' Coal miner and father-of-five Chris Schloss has been remembered as a beloved family man and respected team member following his tragic death at a mine site in Central Queensland on Saturday. Emergency services attended QCoal's Byerwen mine, about 1,000km north of Brisbane in the coal-rich Bowen Basin, early on Saturday morning after reports Mr Schloss had been struck by a crane. The 48-year-old died at the scene. In a statement from Monday, QCoal executive James Black said the 'QCoal family' had suffered a 'devastating loss'. 'Chris has been part of the QCoal family for many years and has been integral in developing Byerwen since its launch,' he said. 'Our thoughts are with Chris' wife Amanda, his children and all their family at this terrible time. 'The death of such a long-serving, senior and well-loved member of the QCoal team has obviously left us shocked. His family is coming to terms with the worst news you can possibly hear, and we are helping them through this tragedy. 'We are also providing support for those staff on site and across the organisation as we come to terms with this incredible loss. Chris Schloss was killed after being struck by a crane at a coal mine on Saturday 'QCoal is working with government investigators and the police on the incident, but our focus is on Chris' family and his many friends at QCoal and across our sites.' Mr Schloss is survived by his five children-Magan, Thomas, Kate, Memphys and Zara. Resources Safety and Health Queensland is investigating the fatality. 'Although it is too early to identify a cause of the incident, initial reports indicate it involved a pick and carry crane,' the safety body said on Saturday. 'An RSHQ coal inspector and an investigator from our Serious Incident Investigation Unit are attending the scene. 'Our thoughts are with the worker's family, friends and colleagues today. 'RSHQ has placed a heavy focus on the safety around pick and carry cranes, particularly in the past 12 months, through industry talks, safety alerts and an animation to increase education and understanding.' QCoal's Byerwen mine is near the small town of Glenden in the Bowen Basin. Picture: Supplied Chris Schloss was remembered as a beloved family man and respected team member Mr Schloss formed a part of QCoal's Tell Them Where To Go campaign against the Queensland government, which is pushing the company to relocate its workforce from the on-site camp to the town of Glenden, about 45 minutes away. The company says the move threatens the jobs of up to 800 Central Queensland mine workers. 'Chris was an active member of our current campaign around preserving the Byerwen camp and his family have asked that his image and words not be removed as he felt strongly about the issue and they want to honour his legacy,' Mr Black said. Video shows the moment a tradesman smashed a motorist's car window with a hammer in a shocking road rage incident. The incident unfolded yesterday in the middle of a London junction with the driver of the BMW appearing to hit a tradesman who then retaliated. Dashcam footage was shared to social media with the caption: 'This is why you never argue with a tradesman in traffic in London.' The video shows the driver of a BMW coming to a stop in the road, seemingly annoyed by the tradesman's driving, although the exact cause of the confrontation is not clear. The tradesman can be seen raising a hammer above his head, ready to smash the back window The motorist desperately tries to get back into his car and flee the scene but isn't quick enough to escape The motorist can be seen getting out of his car and grabbing a backpack from the boot. He then runs over to the tradesman's van where the two appear to have an argument. Then the BMW driver reaches into his bag and strikes the unsuspecting tradesman. The motorist sprints back to his car before the tradesman can lash out. However, the tradesman then opens his van door and rifles around inside, searching for a tool. Moments later, he can be seen sprinting over to the stopped BMW with a hammer in his hand. The BMW driver ran over to the tradesman and apparently hit him after removing a bag from the car's boot The motorist desperately tries to get back into his car and flee the scene but isn't quick enough to escape. The tradesman comes flying into the shot, smashing his hammer into the rear-window of the BMW and completely shattering it. He then strikes the window again, smashing the leftover glass and scaring the motorist who tries to speed off to escape the tradesman's wrath. The BMW lurches forward an inch or two and the tradesman turns to walk away back to his van. The video has since received hundreds of likes and comments from social media users, stunned by the tradesman's rage. One user commented: 'I don't get it. What did he put in the guy's van?' Another replied: 'Nothing, he lumped him over the skull with a hammer, put the hammer back in his bag and then into his own boot.' A prestigious Army regiment guard was banned from a role in King Charles' Coronation after launching a drunken assault when 'banter' got out of control, a military court has heard. Corporal of Horse Jake McClure, 35, took his drunken colleague Trooper Jake O'Mahoney 'by his suit jacket' and flung him through a set of double swing doors during a boozy lunch at their Hyde Park Barracks in April 2023. Tpr O'Mahoney suffered facial scarring in the assault which split his lip and left him unable to speak properly for two weeks. As a result of the 'unseemly bundle', CoH McClure was barred from riding as part of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment during King Charles' Coronation Procession the following month. CoH McClure admitted one charge of assault occasioning ABH, and has been ordered to pay 1,000 in compensation to his victim. Corporal of Horse Jake McClure, 35, took his drunken colleague Trooper Jake O'Mahoney 'by his suit jacket' and flung him through a set of double swing doors during a boozy lunch at their Hyde Park Barracks in April 2023 CoH McClure admitted one charge of assault occasioning ABH, and has been ordered to pay 1,000 in compensation to his victim CoH McClure had attended a special ceremony in which their cohort were one of two regiments to receive ceremonial flags with the new King's Cypher and Crown from the monarch himself at Buckingham Palace. To celebrate the occasion, which was also attended by The Queen Consort, junior soldiers were invited back to the seniors' mess. Bulford Military Court, in Wiltshire, heard CoH McClure - who was previously part of the Red Devils British Army Parachute display team - and Tpr O'Mahoney began 'winding each other up' and 'exchanging banter'. When 'increasingly intoxicated' Tpr O'Mahoney continued to 'interrupt' his conversations - claiming he owed him a pint - and repeatedly refuse to leave the event, CoH McClure's took him 'by his suit jacket' and flung him through a set of doors. Prosecutor Lieutenant Colonel Emma Whiting told the hearing that alcohol was 'available' after the Life Guard Sovereign Standard Parade on April 27 last year. 'Tpr O'Mahoney, the victim, was clearly intoxicated,' she said. 'He and CoH McClure were exchanging banter and winding each other up. 'At some point the defendant had enough of the victim's behaviour and told him to leave. The victim refused and the defendant again told him to leave. 'He refused again and he pushed him through a set of doors and threw him to the ground.' She said the assault was 'reckless' and done in the 'spur of the moment'. The victim was sent to hospital for treatment and had his wounds glued before being discharged with antibiotics and 'considerable swelling' which 'limited his ability' to talk for several weeks. As a result of the 'unseemly bundle', CoH McClure was barred from riding as part of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment during King Charles' Coronation Procession In a victim personal statement read to the court, Tpr O'Mahoney said: 'During the incident my lip was split open, leaving scars visible today. 'I was unable to speak properly for two weeks.' He added the experience was 'humiliating' and put a 'strain' on his then marriage. In mitigation, Philip Stott said CoH McClure 'deeply regrets' his actions. The court heard CoH McClure had one alcoholic drink en route back to the Hyde Park barracks, before Troopers were invited back to the senior mess. Mr Stott said Tpr O'Mahoney became 'increasingly intoxicated' by drinking wine from the bottle and due to a mix up with CoH McClure, thought he owed him a pint. 'Two or three times he tried to interrupt McClure's conversation saying he owed him a drink,' he said. 'He told him firmly to step away and the third time he said he would be removed.' The court heard Tpr O'Mahoney said 'you can't do that' before 'puffing his chest out' and saying 'make me'. 'McClure was surprised by this reaction - he saw it as inappropriate and decided to throw him out, grabbing him by his suit jacket, through the double swing doors and pushing him to the floor.' He added CoH McClure was 'not overly intoxicated' at the time. 'Whilst being investigated, he was refused permission to ride in the Coronation parade, which he took as a form of punishment,' he continued. Addressing him, Assistant Judge Advocate John Atwill said CoH McClure had reacted to a 'very significant degree of provocation'. 'You decided to physically expel him in an unseemly bundle,' he said. 'Because of your actions that man received facial injuries that required medical intervention. 'Your offence had real impact on that young man.' Referring to a previous incident of fighting on his record, he added: 'This is the second time you have become involved in unlawful violence. 'Your leadership failed you on these occasions.' Bulford Military Court, in Wiltshire, heard CoH McClure - who was previously part of the Red Devils British Army Parachute display team - and Tpr O'Mahoney began 'winding each other up' and 'exchanging banter' Sentencing him, he added: 'We have concluded that, exceptionally, you can retain your rank.' However, he said his loss of self discipline, 'whatever their success in provoking you', warranted a period of service detention. This 46 day sentence was suspended for 18 months. 'You must recognise the loss of self control that occurred on this offence puts you at risk,' he continued. 'We encourage you to continue to seek support from your unit and the chain of command.' CoH McClure was also ordered to pay Tpr O'Mahoney 1,000 in compensation over a four month period. According to the British Army website, The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment are the ceremonial face of the regiment, conducting mounted state and public duties in London. Their prestige and horsemanship takes them across the UK and the rest of the world on key international events, all whilst representing the monarch. JP Morgan Chase boss Jamie Dimon has some advice for the next US president as the country navigates through a 'perilous time.' In an op-ed for The Washington Post, Dimon outlined his vision of how the next POTUS can bring the nation together after a polarizing election and 'restore faith in America.' 'Deeply divided, our nation now faces both challenging domestic issues and perhaps the most complicated geopolitical situation since World War II,' Dimon, 68, wrote. 'We may be at an inflection point that will determine the fate of the free and democratic world for decades. Dimon suggested the next president should bring in political opponents to work in his administration, as well as figures from the private sector. JP Morgan Chase boss Jamie Dimon has issued some advice for the next US president as the country navigates through a 'perilous time' The CEO also implored the presidential candidates to refrain from attacking those who have a different political ideology. He wrote: 'Do not insult, stereotype, weaponize, scapegoat or gaslight. 'And do not attack them. Engage them. This takes bravery.' Dimon, CEO of the nation's largest bank, has not endorsed a presidential candidate. Earlier this year, Dimon said he was worried geopolitical events including the war in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war, as well as U.S. political polarization, might be creating an environment that 'may very well be creating risks that could eclipse anything since World War II.' The comments came in an annual shareholder letter from Dimon, who often uses the letter to weigh in broad topics like politics, regulation and global events and what it might mean to JPMorgan Chase, as well as the broader economy. Dimon also used his letter to forcefully defend the firms diversity and equality efforts, pushing back on the arguments from Republicans who have said such efforts at Fortune 500 companies, colleges and universities are discriminatory and promote left-wing ideology. Dimon, CEO of the nation's largest bank, has not endorsed a presidential candidate. Vice-president Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump, the presumptive nominees, are pictured 'Americas global leadership role is being challenged outside by other nations and inside by our polarized electorate,' Dimon said. 'We need to find ways to put aside our differences and work in partnership with other Western nations in the name of democracy. During this time of great crises, uniting to protect our essential freedoms, including free enterprise, is paramount.' As he has done in previous letters, Dimon said he continues to believe that the U.S. must take a significant leadership position in the world through trade, military might and a resilient economy backed by strong infrastructure spending. He has long argued that the U.S. must continue to hold its leadership role in the West, or it will eventually cede that role to China as an authoritarian superpower. This includes continuing to support Ukraine in its war against Russia, Dimon argued. Ronan Curley and Ava Koch, both 16, use reusable cups at Avid Coffee, one of 30 Petaluma businesses replacing their single-use cups with reusable ones. Erik Castro/Special to the Chronicle A customer pops a hot coffee lid onto a reusable cup at Stellina Pronto cafe in Petaluma. Other businesses joining the pilot program include Avid Coffee, Petaluma Grand Central, Costeaux French Bakery, Taco Bell, Peets Coffee and Habit Burger Grill. Erik Castro/Special to the Chronicle Jose Martinez Jr. places a cup he used for hot coffee in one of the 60 return sites in town at Petaluma Pie Co. Erik Castro/Special to the Chronicle Behind the display case at Petaluma Pie Co., owner Taylor Martinez reached into a bin full of new, purple 12-ounce plastic cups labeled Sip, Return, Repeat. Theyre ready to be filled with foamy nitro coffee and icy lemonades for customers to sip alongside savory hand pies with inventive fillings, like a cheeseburger blend of ground beef and cheddar. Thats our best-selling hand pie, Martinez said, putting the drinks on a counter. The business is one of 30 participants in the Petaluma Reusable Cup Project, which kicks off Monday. The pilot program, running through November, will replace single-use cups with reusable, insulated to-go cups that can be returned at drop-off bins throughout the city, in an effort to prevent more landfill waste. Other small businesses joining include Avid Coffee, Petaluma Grand Central and Costeaux French Bakery. Local Taco Bell, Peets Coffee and the Habit Burger Grill franchises are also participating in the pilot. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The NextGen Consortium, an food industry collaboration with members including Starbucks, Coca-Cola,and Peets Coffee, is behind the effort, which is managed by Closed Loop Partners, a New York investment firm working to finance and develop reusable product projects. The program is free to the city, according to an assistant city manager. A press release from the group states it is the first initiative of its kind that makes reusable cups the first choice at several restaurants in a U.S. city. If successful, it could be the first step in expanding the pand Perogram to other cities. Companies like Starbucks and Blue Bottle Coffee have previously tried to implement their own reusable container programs, but they didnt become permanent. A barista pours hot coffee into a reusable cup at Stellina Pronto cafe. The pilot program, running through November, will replace single-use cups with reusable, insulated to-go cups that can be returned at drop-off bins throughout the city. Erik Castro/Special to the Chronicle Carolina Lobel, senior director at the Center for the Circular Economy at Closed Loop Partners, said the group began conversations with the city of Petaluma one year ago, and included local community groups and Zero Waste Sonoma, a regional government body working to reduce landfill waste. She said the programs goal is to displace hundreds of thousands of cups reaching the dump. Their input was critical in helping us shape a program that serves the needs of Petalumas residents, Lobel wrote in an email to the Chronicle. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Petaluma assistant city manager Patrick Carter said the program is expected to help the city with its waste reduction and climate goals, such as becoming carbon neutral by 2030. One cup doesnt consume a massive amount of resources to produce and dispose, Carter wrote in an email to the Chronicle, but when thousands of cups are used daily (and for a relatively short period of time) in Petaluma, that waste accumulates in a significant way. Reuse is the solution. Miles Wood and Brittany Carpenter drink coffee from reusable cups at Stellina Pronto, one of 30 Petaluma businesses participating in the pilot program to prevent more landfill waste. Erik Castro/Special to The Chronicle Other cities have programs to incentivize the use of reusables. Berkeley requires restaurants to charge 25 cents per single-use cup and food container, though enforcement became more lax during the pandemic. (Berkeley has since hired compliance inspectors). San Francisco has spent over $200,000 on dishware for restaurants to curb the use of single-use plates and cups for dine-in customers. Martinez, the Petaluma Pie Co. owner, met with a Closed Loop Partners representative to discuss the program about a month ago. A few weeks later, he received a shipment with more than 200 reusable cups at no cost ahead of the programs start. By Aug. 1, he was already serving drinks using the purple cups. The three-month program stands to save his business over $1,000, he estimates. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Martinez says its been easy to work with the program as it kicks off. When he needs more cups, he simply requests them through a QR code form. There is a drop-off bin outside his shop for customers, or anyone with a reusable cup, to leave theirs after theyve finished their beverages. Muuse, a reusables logistics company with offices in Canada, Hong Kong and Singapore, will be collecting, sanitizing and redistributing the cups. Lenea Ferry of Sacramento uses one of the recently released reusable cups in the patio seating area at Petaluma Pie Co. For the program to work, the cups must remain in this distribution loop away from peoples cupboards and the trash. Erik Castro/Special to the Chronicle For the program to work, the cups must remain in this distribution loop away from peoples cupboards and, most importantly, the rubbish heap. There are 60 return bins in Petaluma, and Closed Loop Partners will monitor return rates to find out which locations perform best. The group will also evaluate pickups at peoples homes. Martinez says tracking the exact number of cups he or his staff have handed out can be a bit of a challenge, since he doesnt log complimentary water into his point-of-sale system, to avoid incurring a service fee. On a regular day he estimates customers buy as many as 40 drinks that would need a cup to be served in, on top of free water cups. He hopes the impact can compound with every cup handed out at all participating businesses. It feels kind of like were all working together to solve the problem, which is really, really awesome, Martinez said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Sen. J.D. Vance is still feeling the fallout from the reemergence of his years-old 'childless cat lady' comments but his wife Usha is now coming to the rescue. The 38-year-old mother of three spoke with Fox News to discuss how life has changed since J.D. became the Republican vice presidential nominee. Usha also opened up about her thoughts on her husband's now-viral and highly-criticized comments and said the Ohio senator never meant to 'hurt' women who are struggling to start a family. She said that some of the classifications she sees of her husband are 'not accurate' and the criticism is 'not the J.D. I know.' 'We've been doing this now for a little while and I've grown accustomed to it and grown a thick skin,' the attorney said of how she is affected by the negative press about her and her family. Usha Vance defended husband J.D. Vance's 'childless cat lady' comments and responded to how negative press impacts her and her family She said in the sit-down interview with Ainsley Earhardt that aired in part on Fox & Friends Monday morning: 'He made a quip in service of making a point that he wanted to make that was substantive.' The entire attack line against Vance stems from a 2021 interview with then-Fox host Tucker Carlson. '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,' Sen. Vance said at the time. Left-leaning critics immediately jumped on the posting of the three-year-old comments and said it was an attack against women who cannot or chose not to have children. Even some conservatives and Republicans were upset by how the remarks could be harmful for women who struggle with fertility and couples who are unable to have children of their own. 'J.D. absolutely, at the time and today would never, ever, ever want to say something to hurt someone who was trying to have a family who really, you know, was struggling with that,' Usha Vance said when asked what her message was to women offended by the comments. She continued: 'And I also understand there are a lot of other reasons why people may choose not to have families, and many of those reasons are very good.' Usha joined J.D. at the Republican National Convention last month where the Ohio Senator became the vice presidential nominee running with Donald Trump 'Let's try to look at the real conversation that he's trying to have and engage with it and understand,' Usha went on.'For those of us who do have families, for the many of us who want to have families and for whom it's really hard. What can we do to make it better?' 'What can we do to make it easier to live in 2024, and live a very full life that isn't just professional, that also has this kind of rich personal life and community behind it.' J.D. and Usha, who is the daughter of Indian immigrants, have three children together Ewan, 6, Vivek, 4, and Mirabel, 2. They met at Yale where they were both attending law school. The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has demanded more than 120,000 disabled veterans pay back lump-sum special separation payments given out over the past 12 years, a new report revealed. The requests, issued from 2013 until now, stem from a law designed to prevent vets from receiving both disability and special separation pay. The 'recoupment,' when the government claws back the payments sometimes years later, has thrust some into hardship, as vets at times have to pay back tens of thousands of dollars at a time. The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has demanded more than 120,000 disabled vets pay back lump-sum special separation payments paid out over the past 12 years, new data shows 'That's wrong,' Vernon Reffitt, 62, told NBC News last month of the little-known practice. 'You can't just up and take it back.' Reffitt, who resides in Georgia, is one of four former servicemembers speaking up about the controversy in statements to the media. He's on the hook for $30,000 - a sum provided to him by the US Army back in 1992. In May, the VA realized its mistake and began rectifying it by withholding his monthly disability compensation. In a statement to NBC, the agency said it was 'unaware of the amount' of Reffitt's special separation package when he began receiving disability compensation later that year. Reffitt served in Panama and Honduras and did two tours in Germany during his tenure as a military policeman from 1979 to 1992. Another disabled Army vet, 36-year-old Daphne Young, is in a similar position, after accepting a $15,000 lump sump when she left the branch in 2016. Vernon Reffitt, now 62, is on the hook for $30,000 - a sum provided to him by the US Army back in 1992. He is seen here during his tenure as a military policeman circa 1980 Another disabled Army vet, 36-year-old Daphne Young, is in a similar position, after accepting a $15,000 lump sump upon leaving the military branch in 2016 In April, nearly a decade later, she was told she would have to pay the entire amount back if she wanted to continue receiving her untaxed monthly disability payment of around $3,700. 'It was agonizing,' recalled Young, a former Army ammunition specialist and combat medic who became fully disabled after being deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, of receiving the letter. Shane Collins, 41, explained how it took him the better part of three years to repay the roughly $33,000 he was offered in 2014 to leave the Marines, telling NBC News: 'It took the legs from right underneath me. The Idaho dad, who also worked at the Pentagon, said he never knew he would have to repay his separation if given disability, despite his familiarity with the Department of Defense. 'I thought they were completely separate,' he said. 'And that's how it was explained to me as well.' Such was the case for 55-year-old Shawn Teller, who began receiving monthly disability for an old knee injury in 2012. That was after he already accepted a one-time payment of around $10,700 to leave the Army in 1996, after serving for about eight years, in operations like Desert Storm and Desert Shield. 'It was agonizing,' said Young, a former Army ammunition specialist and combat medic who became fully disabled after being deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan 'It was something somebody overlooked at the time, and then they caught it now,' the California resident said after being told in July that the VA would start withholding his monthly $586 disability check until he repays. 'I rely on this pay every month,' he said. 'It's not right.' Two years before, Stephanie Rennane of the RAND Corporation, a nonprofit research group, found that at least 79,000 veterans had to repay different types of separation benefits between 2013 and 2020. Speaking to NBC News last month, she said: 'I think it's likely that we're missing a good number of people. 'We don't have any way of knowing how big it is.' On Saturday, NBC News put the true number from 2013 through today at around 122,000 - a fact confirmed to DailyMail.com Monday in a statement from the VA. The outlet added that it had spoken to several veterans whose debt now totals in the tens of thousands of dollars, with one complaining that it would take him nearly 15 years to pay back what he owes Another said he had been forced to cut out all expenses not deemed a necessity and even consider taking on a second job. The sign of the Department of Veteran Affairs is seen in front of the headquarters building in Washington The agency offered a breakdown of the number of recoupments Monday, following NBC's report, beginning with the the earliest year available, fiscal year 2013. At the time, the VA took back separation pay from about 6,686 vets, followed by a further 7,544 in 2014. From 2015 to 2017, the agency requested lump sums back from about 12,000 receiving disability each year, before it shot up to 17,066 in fiscal year 2018. The amount dropped to 10,675 the next year, before sliding again to 8,130 veterans in 2020 and 8,550 in 2021, NBC News reported. The number of recoupments hit around 7,940 in 2022 and nearly 10,000 in 2023, Terrence Hayes, VA press secretary, said - adding that as of the end of June, the agency had initiated recoupments for another 8,920. The fluctuations come amid a rise in disability claims over the years, with some 2.3 million compensation claim applications being recorded this past year. That's a 42 increase from 2022. The recoupments come amid a rise in disability claims over the years, with some 2.3 million compensation claim applications being recorded this past year. Citing these numbers, VA Press Secretary Terrence Hayes said, 'There is no concerted effort to increase recoupment' Citing these numbers, VA Press Secretary Terrence Hayes told NBC News: 'There is no concerted effort to increase recoupment. 'Instead, it is a part of the normal, legally required process during completion of the initial claim application which asks claimants if they received a separation bonus and the amount received,' he said. In a statement sent to DailyMail.com, Hayes explained the concept further. 'By law, VA is required to recoup military separation pay from Veterans who receive disability compensation payments. 'While VA is legally required to recoup separation pay from Veterans in cases like those cited in the NBC News story, we recognize that this may bring challenges for Veterans. 'We try to identify the need for recoupment as early as possible, and we work with them every step of the way to minimize any impact this may have on them.' The staffer added: 'Since September 2021, VA has taken procedural steps that allow us to discover and resolve these legally required recoupment cases more effectively.' A grieving mother has opened up about the sudden death of her youngest child in the hope that no other parent goes through the same nightmare. June 20 started like any other for Chance Peniongo, 13, as he headed off to school in Echuca in northern Victoria. His mother Regina Rose picked him up from school several hours later after he began complaining about headaches. He had dinner and watched a movie before falling asleep on the couch. Early the next morning, Chance started experiencing seizures and was rushed to his local hospital, where he was diagnosed with influenza A. The Year Seven student's condition rapidly deteriorated within hours, before he was airlifted to The Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne in a coma. That night, his family were told that Chance had contracted acute necrotising encephalitis - a rare brain disease that occurs following a viral infection - and that scans showed no brain activity. Chance never regained consciousness and died six days later surrounded by loved ones. Chance Peniongo was a healthy teen before he was struck down by acute necrotising encephalitis Regina Rose (pictured with her son Chance) doesn't want any other parent to go through the same nightmare after losing her youngest son Almost two months on, Ms Rose is struggling with the loss of Chance. 'It's still sinking in - it still hasn't,' she told Seven News. 'To see a flu, or something so rare knock him down as fast as it did, it's still a shock.' She has opened up about Chance's ordeal to raise awareness about the rare condition in the hope that research will save more lives. 'I could tell immediately something was wrong,' Ms Rose recalled. There was a big difference from looking at him that morning to looking at him at lunchtime. 'I didn't know much about influenza A but it didn't explain the seizures. 'I didn't understand it.' The youngest of five children, Chance had recently become an uncle and adored his nephews. 'He loved kids and babies,' his mother recalled. '(He) loved talking to everyone. He got along with everyone.' the day after he complained off headaches, Chance was in a coma and airlifted to Melbourne The youngest of five children, Chance had a big heart and a smile that would light up any room Flu cases in Victoria have quadrupled in recent months while emergency department presentations have increased six-fold. Melbourne GP Dr Aadhil Aziz said Aussies can protect themselves by getting the influenza vaccine. A fundraiser set up to help with ambulance and funeral costs to ease the financial burden on Chance's family described the teen as an angel and diamond in the rough who lit up every room he walked into. 'He had a huge heart and would always sense when others were sad and go out of his way to cheer them up,' the page states. 'It didn't matter if you were young or old if he sensed you were down he was going to try his best to make you smile! 'Super popular at school he would entertain all of his classmates and teachers said that whenever he won awards the other kids would cheer him on as he did a dab, and then every kid wanted to give him a high five as he walked past. 'He would look out for the random kid at camp and start a conversation and decide, 'we are going to be friends today'. He never liked anyone to be left out.' A Canadian farmer who wants to build a house on his land is being forced to pay $400,000 for a government-mandated archeological dig on his property - and could face jail time if he does not comply. Bruce Cassel, 75, was required to get an archeological assessment of his Ontario farmland when he decided to build a dream retirement home for him and his wife more than four years ago. During the dig, archeologists discovered bits of stone identified as Indigenous artifacts. Now the owner could face massive fines or even jail time unless he pays to complete the final stages of the assessment, which he said totaled $400,000, National Post reported. Under the Ontario Heritage Act, archeological assessments are split into four stages paid for by the property owner. If artifacts are found, there are hefty punishments for disrupting the site. 'It's consumed a lot of my time, trying to make sense of the situation, trying to get answers in regards to the situation,' Cassel told National Post. Bruce Cassel, 75, is being forced to pay $400,000 for a government-mandated archeological dig on his property 'I'm sure it's played on me a bit, but at the same token I'm just trying to understand the situation and why I've been put in this predicament.' In Ontario, only licensed archaeologists can knowingly disturb sites. It is illegal for a a person to collect archaeological artifacts on purpose. Cassel hired an archeologist to conduct the first stage assessment in 2020 and the second stage in 2021. During the dig, 134 pre-contact Aboriginal artifacts including scrapes and projectile points were discovered. Cassel said the archeological firm quoted him $130 per hour to view the artifacts, but he was shown pictures of them. According to a report of the stage two assessment shared with National Post, the site was 'interpreted as a large area of ongoing temporary seasonal occupation by Aboriginal communities throughout the Middle Archaic period.' The report continued: 'Hunting and hide processing were actively undertaken at the site, as well as the production and maintenance of formal tools and projectile points.' Then Cassel received a quote for $400,000 for the final stages of the process, including fees to have Indigenous groups inspect the site. Archeologists discovered bits of stone identified as Indigenous artifacts on his property and how he could face massive fines or even jail time unless he pays to complete the assessment He reached out to the minister of Indigenous affairs and even the Premier of Ontario for help, to no avail. 'I've never thought I'd have to go to the premier or even the council people. But nope, no help whatsoever,' he said. On July 29, the minister of Indigenous affairs and the minister of citizenship and multiculturalism, which is behind the Ontario Heritage Act, told Cassel that moving forward with the next stage of the assessment was his only option for building on the land. 'Such a determination falls within the roles and responsibilities of ministry officials, and therefore is not a political decision. As such, this is not within our purview to intervene you must follow the established process that any other proponent in this scenario would have to adhere to,' the ministers wrote in a joint letter. Mark Milke, the founder and president of The Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy, told National Post the government should foot the bill. 'If you, as a private property owner, are forced to endure a regulation that could cost you $40,000 or $400,000, in essence, it devalues your property or could break you,' he said. 'That's simply not a fair approach to regulating private property.' This is the first picture of a promising university student who suffered a string of allergies and died after eating a simple 'chicken and chips' meal on a family holiday in Morocco. Lily King, 18, went on a week-long holiday to Rabat, the country's capital, with mum Aicha, 56, in June to visit family and celebrate getting top marks in the first year of her economics degree at the University of Exeter. On the final day of their holiday, June 19, the pair went out for dinner at Maya restaurant and Lounge, in Rabat, where they had eaten before. On its website, the restaurant which also doubles as a bar and nightclub claims to offer 'an exclusive yet impeccable culinary journey', the 'finest cuisine' and boasts a 'long history of luxury hospitality'. Mrs King, who is Moroccan and speaks Arabic, was 'explicit' with staff about her daughter's allergies, which included dairy, fish, shellfish, sesame, and nuts, and about 'what she could and could not eat', husband Michael, 73, told MailOnline. Lily King, 18, went on a week-long holiday to Rabat, Morocco's capital, with mum Aicha, 56, in June to visit family Lily had not had any serious reactions in all the years she lived at the family home in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, but when she went to university, 'things got a lot worse' On the last night of their holiday, the mother and daughter went out for dinner at Maya restaurant and Lounge, in Rabat, where they had eaten before But 'within minutes' of having a mouthful of her 'chicken and chips' meal, Lily developed a severe reaction which saw her vomit and run outside as she battled to breathe. 'She got an itchy throat, which developed into sickness, stomach cramps and breathing problems,' added Mr King. 'She used her Epi-pen, which she carried with her at all times.' But Mr King, a freelance production buyer for film companies, claims that in the ensuing panic when 'Lily was outside struggling to breathe', restaurant staff told Mrs King that 'she couldn't leave without paying the bill'. 'They delayed her from leaving the restaurant by a few minutes that could have actually saved Lily's life.' A devastated Mrs King added: 'I explained to him [the waiter] in Arabic three times 'Please be careful, she is very, very allergic'. 'He says 'Yeah no worry, we careful.' She said she requested a simple meal of grilled chicken and chips not mixed in oil for Lily. The waiter is said to have brought out a meal of chicken, vegetables with chips and a sauce on the side. She said in the dark of the restaurant, the vegetables looked like prawns, so she instantly told the waiter to take the meal away. But he assured her they were in fact carrots cooked in nothing but olive oil, and there was nothing unsafe on Lily's plate. The teenager was on holiday to celebrate getting top marks in the first year of her economics degree at the University of Exeter Mrs King said while she spoke to the waiter in Arabic, Lily took a bite of the carrots, and within minutes began to react to the food. Mrs King added: 'Lily said 'it's itchy, I give her a Piriton, and she used the toilet. After she came back, she said, 'I can't breathe'. 'I started calling the ambulance and we went outside, so she can try to breathe. 'We [used] the Epi Pen. But I left my bag inside the restaurant, and it had my passport and everything in it, I can't leave it, and I went [inside] to get it back. 'I told the restaurant, 'my daughter [is] dying outside'. He said to me, to pay the bill before you're leaving.' Mrs King said after spending vital minutes settling the bill she went outside the restaurant to help her daughter, who by this point had used her second Epi-Pen, to no avail. 'I'm screaming, there are security guards outside the door, but no one is helping me, nothing,' she said through tears. Lily was 'pretty careful' he said, but early in her first year she went into anaphylactic shock after eating a burger at a music festival despite checking it was safe for her - and was rushed to hospital Mrs King desperately tried to get an ambulance to come, but with vital minutes slipping away, she was forced to take Lily to hospital in their car. Mr King said it was 30 minutes before Lily got to hospital, by which time she had already had a heart attack. A heartbroken Mrs King said Lily, her only child, 'died on my shoulder. 'She told me 'I love you, goodbye' and then passed away.' Mr King adds: 'After the heart attack, she had a catatonic fit which destroyed her brain, and she was basically diagnosed as being brain dead.' He raced over to Morocco with his older daughter from his first marriage before he and his wife had to make the agonising decision to let Lily slip away. 'They kept her alive for three days and gave her another test and there was no brain function detectable, and we had to let her go.' He said doctors at the hospital 'didn't say much' about Lily's illness, except for there being no brain activity, but asked him and his wife what could have caused it. 'We told them exactly what happened in the restaurant. 'But on the death certificate that was issued subsequently, they said her cause of death was a heart attack.' The Kings fear they will possibly 'never know' why Lily's allergies were 'ignored or how they were ignored' by the restaurant, with Mr King believing her meal must have contained an allergen or suffered some cross-contamination. 'There's no other cause I can imagine that could have caused her to stop breathing,' Mr King insisted. The Kings fear they will possibly 'never know' why Lily's allergies were 'ignored or how they were ignored' by the restaurant Lily had lived with her allergies since birth and Mrs King 'was always incredibly careful' with her, educating her about her allergies and taking her own food out with them to ensure she was safe, added Mr King. He said Lily had not had any serious reactions in all the years she lived at the family home in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, but when she went to university, 'things got a lot worse'. Lily was 'pretty careful' he said, but early in her first year she went into anaphylactic shock after eating a burger at a music festival despite checking it was safe for her - and was rushed to hospital. She developed infections in her kidneys and elsewhere, but she had recovered before the trip to Morocco. Lily died on June 23 and had two autopsies, one in Morocco and another in England, before her body was released to her parents and she was buried in Beaconsfield on July 10. Paying tribute to their daughter, Mr King said: 'Lily was loved by many, many friends. 'We had 60 or 70 of her friends and colleagues at the funeral, and they all signed a book of condolences, and they said the most marvellous things about her; how she was a shining light and made everybody laugh, and how she helped them with their problems. 'She was a very caring girl and very intelligent. 'With all her problems, she still managed to get to grammar school and get three A-Levels with grades for Exeter University to study Economics. 'She just got her results for her first-year exams, and she got a first - that was the day before she had this anaphylactic shock.' Mr King said police in Morocco launched an investigation into the restaurant, but the family remain in the dark as to the progress of the case. He added: 'It was taken out of the police's hands and it got given to the prosecutor. 'We were told we would be notified about the next steps. 'We want to know what's going on, we want to know whether it's going to be brushed under the carpet or whether they're going to do something about it.' The Kings have bravely decided to speak out about Lily's death to seek answers for their daughter and warn other families about the risks of taking children with allergies out to eat, especially abroad. Mr King added: 'We're angry. We've been kept in the dark about what they're doing. The Kings have bravely decided to speak out about Lily's death to seek answers for their daughter and warn other families about the risks of taking children with allergies out to eat, especially abroad 'I just want to protect other English people who might want to go to Morocco with their children who have allergies. 'I just think people need to know these things.' Asked what he would say to other families planning to take children with allergies abroad, he said: 'People have just got to be very careful and to educate their children about it. 'We tried our best and we did educate Lily, but she wanted to live.' He said his message to other parents of children with allergies is: 'Even if they haven't already had an anaphylactic shot, it's like Russian roulette. 'Every time you eat out, especially abroad, you're playing Russian roulette with your life.' Mrs King is adamant that people like Lily with allergies should not be 'locked in the house' but should be able to go out and enjoy a meal in a restaurant and be treated with 'respect'. The Kings are in touch with Tanya and Nadim, the parents of tragic Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, 15, who died in July 2016 after suffering an allergic reaction to sesame seeds contained within a Pret a Manger baguette which were not listed on the ingredients label. They are raising money in Lily's memory for the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, set up by Tanya and Nadim, you can donate to their JustGiving page here. Bangladesh has been all but torn apart over the past few weeks by a vicious crackdown on civil unrest by the country's government. Protests spearheaded by students, which began in early July following the country's Supreme Court's decision to reinstate mandatory quotas for government jobs to go to the descendants of freedom fighters who helped forge the South Asian country in the 1970s, were met with fierce resistance from authorities. From the get-go the government, headed up by 76-year-old Sheikh Hasina, tried to suppress information by shutting down universities. When that didn't work, they deployed militants who quickly began slaughtering demonstrators, before the police, army and border guard were called in to join them. The 'Iron Lady's' government declared a nationwide shoot-on-sight policy, which has killed more than 210 and left tens of thousands injured. The government's harsh crackdown on dissent is part of a long pattern of autocratic behaviour from the world's longest serving female head of state, which includes mass arrests and the systematic use of 'disappearances' and extrajudicial killings, though this has consistently been denied. Hasina, who resigned today and fled to London following the weeks of unrest, learned much of her authoritarian statecraft from her father, the country's first leader, Sheikh Mujib Rahman. Sheik Hasina (pictured) resigned today and fled to London following the weeks of unrest Bangladesh has been all but torn apart over the past few weeks by a vicious crackdown on civil unrest by the country's government Bangladeshi citizens were seen climbing over the prime minister's residence Rahman ruled the nation with an iron fist, using one-party socialist rule to ensure he had a significant level of control over the flow of information, and amended the constitution to gradually increase his ability to make changes. He banned the free press in the country, allowing just four state-owned newspapers to operate. In 1975, just three years after the state of Bangladesh was officially set up, her father was assassinated in a military coup. That fateful night, while 28-year-old Hasina was in Germany with her younger sister, a group of army officers burst into the family's home in the capital, Dhaka, and slaughtered her parents, three other siblings and the household staff - 18 people in all. One analyst previously said this was a catalytic moment for the leader, pushing her to consolidate power at any cost. 'Hasina has one very powerful quality as a politician - and that is to weaponize trauma,' Avinash Paliwal, a former university lecturer who specialised in South Asian strategic affairs, said in January ahead of the general election. She lived in exile for several years in India, which had supported Bangladesh in its independence movement against Pakistan, before going back to her home country and taking over the Awami League, the country's oldest political party. She is the daughter of the country's first leader Sheikh Mujib Rahman The authoritarian leader has faced calls to resign for weeks Her government is accused of extrajudicial killings Men run past a burning vehicle inside the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital, set on fire by protesters 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 Perhaps because of her role as leader of one of the country's biggest political parties, and because she had the capacity to take revenge against the military men who killed her family, the army sporadically kept her detained in her home throughout the 1980s. But in 1996, she won the coveted role of prime minister. Hasina's struggles, however, were far from over. She fought bitterly with her former prime minister Khaleda Zia, the chief of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, who's now ailing and under house arrest, for around a decade. The two women ran the country alternatively for years in a bitter rivalry that all but tore the nation apart. Hasina has often accused the BNP of courting hard-line extremists that her party, which calls itself moderate and secular, had worked to stamp out, while Zia's BNP claims the Awami League is using oppressive tactics to stay in power. The two traded blame as the recent protests turned violent. The BNP, which backed the student protesters, repeated calls for Hasina to step down while she accused them of stoking the violence. She said the protests had been overtaken by the BNP and another opposition party that her government banned recently. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (C) weeps while she visits a metro station in Mirpur vandalized by students during the anti-quota protests Anti-government protestors vandalise the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum as they set it on fire, in Dhaka on August 5, 2024 Anti-government protestors celebrate in Shahbag near Dhaka university area in Dhaka on August 5, 2024 After Hasina lost the general election in 2001, she became the leader of the opposition. Political violence, unrest and military interventions marked the years until she was reelected. Back in power, she fixed her sights on the economy and built infrastructure previously unseen in Bangladesh: a strong electricity grid that reaches far-flung villages and big-ticket projects such as highways, rail lines and ports. The country's garment industry became one of the world's most competitive. The development gains sparked other advances. Girls were educated on par with boys, and an increasing swell of women joined the workforce. Those close to her described Hasina as hands-on and passionate about uplifting women and poor people. But despite the largely beneficial economic decisions she made, many nations expressed serious concerns over her government's violations of human rights and press freedoms. In January this year, after she won a fourth consecutive term, the US and the United Kingdom said the polls were not credible, free and fair. Previous elections in 2018 and 2014 were also marred by allegations of vote rigging and a boycott by opposition parties. Students shout slogans during ongoing anti-quota protest in Dhaka on July 18, 2024 Smoke rises from the burning vehicles after protesters set them on fire near the Disaster Management Directorate office, during the ongoing anti-quota protest in Dhaka on July 18, 2024 Protests over the past few weeks have been violent Her critics for years accused her government of using harsh tools to muzzle dissent, shrink press freedoms and curtail civil society. Rights groups have also cited forced disappearances of critics, which her government denied. Her government employed the same heavy-handed approach when these protests began, which inflamed tensions even more, analysts said. The student-led movement also came as Bangladesh underwent an economic churn given the recent global slowdown. Ahead of the January polls, there was labor unrest and dissatisfaction with the government. But the latest furor highlighted the extent of economic distress in the country, where exports have fallen and foreign exchange reserves are running low. Experts say there's a lack of quality jobs for young graduates, who increasingly seek the more stable and lucrative government jobs. 'There have been plenty of protests during Awami League's regime over the last 15 years, but nothing as large, long, and violent as this one,' said Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center. He added that the especially ferocious government response of excessive force and deep pent-up anger at the state as well as growing economic stress led to the escalation. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina speaks at the opening session in the national parliament in Dhaka on Sunday, July 14, 1996 Protestors continue their demonstration for the abolition of the quota system in government jobs, on August 05, 2024 in Barishal, Bangladesh Bangladeshi citizens were seen weeping with joy following Hasina's resignation After nearly two decades of her rule, the country is jubilant, if deeply unsure on what to do next following her resignation and escape to London. Shortly after she was seen on TV boarding a military helicopter with her sister, the country's military chief, General Waker-uz-Zaman, said he would seek the president's guidance on forming an interim government. He promised that the military would launch an investigation into the deadly crackdown on student-led protests that fueled outrage against the government. 'Keep faith in the military, we will investigate all the killings and punish the responsible,' he said. 'I have ordered that no army and police will indulge in any kind of firing.' 'Now, the students' duty is to stay calm and help us,' he added. Thousands of protesters celebrated in the capital, waving Bangladeshi flags as the news broke, while others looted her official residence, carrying out furniture and even fish from the kitchens. It is an 'end of a regime that delivered a lot of development but was increasingly authoritarian, as we saw with the mass killings these past weeks,' said Naomi Hossain, a research professor specializing in Bangladesh at the London-based SOAS University. The country has seen interim governments in the past, Hossain said, adding that for now the hope is that the army will ensure peace. But there are fears of reprisal violence. 'It could get ugly if the army isn't able to calm people down and defuse the issue. It could be a while before we are out of the woods,' she added. One of America's most wanted fugitives has been found hiding in plain sight after nearly two decades on the run. Antonio 'El Diablo' Riano, 72, was arrested on Thursday in Zapotitlan Palmas, bringing an end to a 20-year manhunt during which he was featured on 'America's Most Wanted.' The fugitive was found working as a police officer in his hometown in Mexico - and told reporters he wanted to 'help the people of Mexico.' The Oaxaca, Mexico native was charged with first-degree murder stemming from a 2004 shooting, where he is accused of killing 25-year-old Benjamin Becarra in an Ohio bar. He was accused of gunning down Becarra at the Round House Bar in Hamilton, Ohio, following a brief argument. Antonio 'El Diablo' Riano, 72, was arrested on Thursday in Zapotitlan Palmas, bringing an end to a 20-year manhunt during which he was featured on 'America's Most Wanted' The fugitive was found working as a police officer in his hometown in Mexico - and told reporters he wanted to 'help the people of Mexico' According to witnesses, he shot Becarra point-blank in the face before fleeing the scene. He was identified when police discovered he had purchased ammunition at Walmart just 45 minutes before the shooting. When police searched Riano's home, they discovered a trove of false identities and the murder weapon - a Smith & Wesson .38 with two spent rounds. But before justice could be served, 'El Diablo' vanished into thin air. For two decades, he managed to outrun the law, even as his face was broadcast to millions on 'America's Most Wanted' in 2005. But the law has finally caught up with Riano. 'When Riano was arrested in Mexico he was found to be working as a local police officer,' the US Marshals Service said in a news release. The Oaxaca, Mexico native was charged with first-degree murder stemming from a 2004 shooting, where he is accused of murdering 25-year-old Benjamin Becarra in an Ohio bar Riano was handed over to US Marshals in Mexico City and flown to Cincinnati. Video footage captured Riano being taken into custody at Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport. When he was asked why he had become a police officer, Riano replied in Spanish to WKRC-TV: 'I wanted to help the people of Mexico.' When asked if he killed Becerra, he said: 'No, I did not.' Michael T. Gmoser, Butler County Prosecutor, praised the joint effort. Riano was handed over to US Marshals in Mexico City and flown to Cincinnati 'This type of apprehension would not be possible without the cooperation and due diligence of both the Prosecutor's Office investigators, the United States Marshal Service, and the United States Department of Justice,' Gmoser said. 'The United States Marshal Service, through our violent fugitive task forces, assists our state and local law enforcement partners to apprehend the area's most dangerous fugitives,' said Michael D. Black, US Marshal for the Southern District of Ohio. 'This arrest is the result of the ongoing sharing of information between the agencies and the determination of the investigators who refused to give up on this case,' Black added. All government employees in New South Wales have been ordered to go back to work at their offices today - but there are several obvious hurdles in the way. Many public servants were left confused, and outraged, after Premier Chris Minns announced that work from home was coming to an end, with some caveats, on Monday. The government gave staff just one day's notice of its directive. The government workers' union, the Public Service Association of NSW, noted that some offices can't physically accommodate all employees onsite at any one time. And several public servants told Daily Mail Australia that WFH culture was deeply embedded in their workplaces - with some workers living far away from their place of employment, even interstate. 'There is a guy in my department who lives in Noosa. He works remotely all week - I am looking forward to his return to the office tomorrow,' one senior government worker told Daily Mail Australia. 'Another lives in Sydney and I've never seen her - can't wait to meet her.' A second anonymous government worker highlighted a lack of physical workspaces available to fit all employees currently working from home. 'Although there should be a requirement to go to the office more, two or three days a week, our offices can't manage the capacity of this amount of people coming in,' she told Daily Mail Australia. NSW government workers were told on Monday they will no longer be allowed to work from home NSW Premier Chris Minns (pictured) demanded all public servants return to their offices from Tuesday 'We have to book desks two weeks in advance at the moment because Tuesdays are so busy - and we can't really dictate if teams should go in another day as this is dependent on work flexibility and family.' Some employees were promised a 'hybrid' workplace when they applied for their positions. 'Our jobs were advertised as hybrid roles and we promote a hybrid workplace to help with flexibility and managing work life balance,' the staff member added. 'Going back into the office five days a week is unachievable for those who live two hours from the office.' South of the border, Premier Jacinta Allan's government had some choice words about NSW's new policy, despite both being Labor-run. The Victorian government has vowed to keep its current flexible working arrangements, which require employees to be in-office three days a week. And they suggested NSW public servants should move to Victoria. 'We know that flexibility in the workplace helps more women stay in work and more women in the workforce is better for everyone,' a spokesman said in a statement. 'Any public servants from NSW who like flexibility in their workplace should consider moving to Victoria.' The Queensland government also confirmed it will not change its current WFH policy, which is at the discretion of each department. Workers said there isn't enough room in offices for all remote employees to return with less than 24 hours notice Businesses in the CBD have been struggling to break even since residents started working from home during the Covid pandemic Public Service Association general secretary Stewart Little confirmed the union would help members affected by the government's new rule. 'While acknowledging many of our members do not have the option to work from home, the PSA has always fought for flexible working arrangements,' the union said in a statement. 'This includes, where possible, working from home for those whose roles do not rely on them attending a specific site. 'The PSA also understands that some worksites cannot physically accommodate all employees working onsite at any one time. 'Any PSA member with issues regarding flexible working arrangements, including working from home, will receive support from their union.' But Business Sydney executive director Paul Nicolaou welcomed the move. 'This is fantastic news and great leadership by the Premier,' he said. 'Employers are telling Business Sydney we have to get really serious about getting the CBD back to its pre-Covid footing. 'The city needs more foot traffic hence more workers back to the city to support the hundreds of businesses and enterprises that depend on them.' The Victorian Government confirmed it will not change its flexible working arrangement and encouraged unhappy NSW workers to 'consider moving to Victoria' The end of working from home was announced in a government-wide memorandum to all departments on Monday. The new rules from the premier's department dictate that public servants will now be expected to work from approved office spaces every day of the working week. Limited flexibility will still be permitted in cases of job-share arrangements or compressed hours, but most workers will return to the office full-time. The memorandum warned that existing work-from-home arrangements, which were introduced in 2019, 'should not be taken for granted or considered unlimited'. 'The more our experience of work is shared, the more united we become. This means being physically present in our organisations,' it continued. Public servants who wish to work from home will now have to provide reasons why their hybrid arrangements are needed, which will then require formal approval, which will be reviewed regularly. Public servants who want to work outside of the state will also need approval from the head of their department. Nancy Pelosi revealed the brutal reason she wanted President Joe Biden to exit the presidential race and admitted she feels guilty over the attack on her husband Paul Pelosi. The Speaker Emerita has been on a TV tour to promote her memoir, 'The Art of Power,' which comes out on Tuesday. In her interviews, she's been candid about Biden's chances for re-election. 'I was asking for a campaign that would win. And I wasn't seeing that on the horizon,' she told ABC's Good Morning America on Monday. But she denied reports that she led a pressure campaign to push Biden to exit the race. 'The only person I spoke to about this was the president. Other people called me about what their views were about it, but I rarely even returned a call, much less initiated one,' she said. Nancy Pelosi revealed the real reason she wanted Joe Biden out of the presidential race She also revealed she felt guilty about the 2022 attack on her husband Paul at their San Francisco home. 'What was sad about my husband's situation is he's not very political. They were after me. And I feel guilty about his paying the price,' she told ABC's George Stephanopoulos. She noted she didn't want 'families to feel at risk because someone in their family is engaged in public service.' Paul Pelosi was attacked with a hammer during a break-in in 2022 at the couple's San Francisco home. A federal grand jury found David DePape guilty of attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on the immediate family member of a federal official. DePape was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Paul Pelosi testified during the trial that he was awakened by 'a very large man' with a hammer and zip ties on the day of the break in who asked 'Where's Nancy?' When he told his attacker that his wife was in Washington, D.C., DePape allegedly said he'd have to tie him up and they'd wait for her return. Paul Pelosi sustained a fractured skull in the attack. President Biden gave an Oval Office address on July 24 about his decision to exit the race Nancy Pelosi said she feels guilty over David DePape's attack on her husband Paul Pelosi The former speaker has spent much of her interviews praising Biden for exiting the race. She even told CBS that he belonged on Mount Rushmore. There are reports Biden is angry at her for her role in his ouster. Pelosi was working behind-the-scenes to try and calm panicked Democrats after Biden's first debate performance, where he stared into space and struggled to answer questions. Democrats were worried that, with Biden at the top of the ticket, they would lose the House, Senate, and White House. Pelosi was said to be relaying those messages to the White House. Publicly she always said she trusted Biden would make the right decision, a message she echoed in Monday's interview. 'I have the greatest respect for the president,' she told GMA. 'I think he will be one of the most consequential presidents in our country. I want him, his legacy, to be recognized, preserved.' 'I wasn't asking him to step down. I was asking for a campaign that would win. And I wasn't seeing that on the horizon,' she said. She also explained what it takes to have a winning campaign: 'Winning an election is a decision. You make a decision to win and make every decision in favor of winning, in terms of how you mobilize at the grassroots level and own the ground to get out the vote. How you have a message that is bold and progressive, but not menacing to the public. And how you have the money to do that, to attract that largely from small donors. And then the most important decision is the candidate.' A new piece of Banksy street art has appeared in London, showing the silhouette of a goat balancing on top of some masonry on an exterior wall. The piece shows the goat looking down towards the ground of the building near Kew Bridge in West London, with debris falling down the side of the building. The guerilla artist, famed for his politically-themed works, confirmed the piece on his Instagram page and there has been much speculation about its meaning. Art teacher, Amber Doffman, 26, spotted the artist's Instagram post and immediately recognised its location before rushing straight out the door to go and find it. She said: 'I saw his post on Instagram 40 seconds after it went up and I immediately recognised where the art was. So I got in my car and raced there. I was there 15 minutes after he posted on Instagram - and the paint was still wet.' Banksy has revealed a new artwork featuring a goat perched on top of a wall in West London People look at the the new Banksy piece of artwork near Kew Bridge of a goat on a wall today A new Banksy mural has appeared by Kew Bridge in London today The artist's new piece in London features the goat silhouette with rocks falling down below it A member of the public takes a photo of Banksy's new piece of artwork near Kew Bridge today Employees move a CCTV camera back to its original position today after Banksy moved it Banksy has unveiled a new piece of artwork near Kew Bridge in West London today A new Banksy mural has appeared by Kew Bridge, London today Ms Doffman, who lives in Acton, said she has been writing to Banksy for years - and just a few months ago emailed him asking him to come to west London. How Banksy was unmasked as Robin Gunningham, a public schoolboy from Bristol Banksy's true identity was revealed as Robin Gunningham by a Mail On Sunday investigation in 2008 which reported that he is a former public schoolboy from Bristol. The newspaper published a photograph taken in Jamaica in 2004 showing a man with a bag of spray cans by his feet - which was identified as Mr Gunningham. Banksy is also believed to have gone by the name Robin Banks, and in 2017 the DJ Goldie referred to him in an interview on the Distraction Pieces podcast as 'Rob'. And a BBC Radio 4 podcast called The Banksy Story out last year included a recording from 2003 when the artist was asked whether his name was 'Robert Banks', he replies: 'It's Robbie.' Advertisement 'I emailed him asking him to come to West London and now here he is,' the teacher said. 'I'll tell myself I made this happen. I mean, probably not - but it is a huge coincidence. I just can't believe he was standing there. It's unbelievable.' Ms Doffman added that she believes the artwork is 'to do with the environment - and how we've ruined it to the point that animals don't know where to go anymore'. She continued: 'It's also worth noting that that security camera wasn't facing that way before. Banksy has turned it towards the goat. It's like it's wanting its attention.' A worker was later seen climbing up a ladder and turning the security camera back the other way. Ms Doffman added that the occasion was particularly special for her - because Banksy is the reason she took up the career she did. She said: 'He is my idol and the reason I became an art teacher. I am beyond inspired by Banksy. I hope they cover it with Perspex immediately before someone ruins it - I'm so scared it will get vandalised.' The artwork is Banksy's first since a stunt at Glastonbury Festival in June in which an inflatable dinghy full of dummies dressed as migrants launched into the crowd, live on the BBC. It happened during a set by alternative chart-toppers Idles, who had led the crowd in a chant of 'f*** the king', which was also broadcast live on BBC Four as part of their coverage of the long-running music and arts festival in Somerset. People walking past a stencilled Banksy artwork, depicting a mountain goat and falling rubble at the top of a pillar, on the side of a building in Kew Gardens, west London Women walk dogs past a mural depicting a goat, purportedly by the street artist Bansky, on August 5, 2024 in the Richmond borough of London Banksy has unveiled a new piece of artwork near Kew Bridge in West London today Employees move a CCTV camera back to its original position today after Banksy moved it The artist's new piece in London features the goat silhouette with rocks falling down below it Banksy has unveiled a new piece of artwork near Kew Bridge in West London today The artist's new piece in London features the goat silhouette with rocks falling down below it Banksy has unveiled a new piece of artwork near Kew Bridge in West London today A mural depicting a goat, purportedly by the street artist Bansky, is pictured on August 5, 2024 in the Richmond borough of London, England. The elusive artist shared a picture of the artwork on his Instagram account earlier today Many fans at the Other Stage - traditionally billed as the alternative to the flagship Pyramid Stage - thought the inflatable life raft, carrying a number of seated dummies in high-visibility vests, was a prop for their politically charged headline set. But a representative for Idles said that the boat was created by fellow Bristolian Banksy, and that the band were not aware of what had happened until after they came off stage. The demonstration was thought to have been a nod to Rishi Sunak's tough stance on tackling the small boats crisis. It was described by then-home secretary James Cleverly as 'trivialising' small boats crossings and 'vile', but the artist responded saying his reaction was a 'a bit over the top'. The graffiti artist previously funded a migrant rescue ship, which was impounded in Italy last year after responding to distress calls in the Mediterranean. In March this year, another Banksy appeared overnight on the side of a building near Finsbury Park. It showed a splattering of green which has been painted behind a bare tree to look like foliage, with a stencil of a person holding what appears to be a pressure hose next to it. In 2008 the Mail On Sunday published this photograph taken in Jamaica which is said to show Banksy, who was identified as former public schoolboy Robin Gunningham from Bristol Banksy was responsible for a small boats stunt at Glastonbury Festival in Somerset in June In March, the artist created a tree mural near Finsbury Park in North London, which saw a tree cut back with green paint sprayed behind it to give the impression of foliage The tree mural near Finsbury Park was sabotaged by people who threw white paint at it The site then attracted legions of Banksy fans to catch a glimpse at it. But within three days the mural was defaced with white paint. It prompted the local council to erect a metal security fence to protect it from further damage. The Mail on Sunday previously revealed Banksy to be Robin Gunningham, a middle-class artist who has repeatedly refused to confirm his identity. His reputation is founded on the popularity of his trademark stencil-style art in public spaces - including on walls in London, Brighton, Bristol and even on the West Bank barrier separating Israelis and Palestinians. He has dozens of celebrity collectors including Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Christina Aguilera, and his work repeatedly sells for hundreds of thousands of pounds. Banksy's work ' Love Is In The Bin' self-destructed in Sotheby's, London, in 2018 Banksy's piece Valentine's Day Mascara appeared on a house in Margate in February 2023 Banksy's Sweep It Under the Carpet mural, which appeared in 2006 in Chalk Farm, London He is also known for his headline-making stunts, such as leaving an inflatable doll dressed as a Guantanamo prisoner in Disneyland, California, and hanging a version of the Mona Lisa - but with a smiley face - in the Louvre, Paris. His artwork Girl With Balloon famously self-destructed in a Sotheby's London saleroom when it descended into a shredder in 2018. That piece was then renamed Love Is In The Bin, which in 2021 sold for 18.6 million, a record for Banksy's work. Last October, MailOnline reported how a former Labour Parliamentary lobbyist Joy Millward, originally from the West Midlands, is said to be married to Banksy. She worked as a researcher for Labour MP Austin Mitchell, who died in 2021, and later set up Principle Affairs, a lobby group for charities. Ms Millward is thought to have met Mr Gunningham in 2003 before they married in Las Vegas in 2006. Part of ethnic studies is acknowledging the struggles some groups have in being included in the larger culture while maintaining their identities. Getty Images/iStockphoto Regarding Silicon Valley parents are fuming over ethnic studies in schools. Its a preview of battles to come across California (Bay Area, SFChronicle.com, July 29): I was intrigued that the Palo Alto Parents Alliance was so concerned that their children would have an obsession over oppression and political struggles, with little understanding of commonalities between different ethnic groups. If youre going to study ethnic groups, you must acknowledge the struggles some have in being included in the larger culture while maintaining their identities. As a middle-school history teacher, I dont discuss the glory of Rome without talking about how the Romans tended to treat the cultures and ethnic groups they conquered. To do so would be disingenuous and an omission of the truth. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ethnic studies acknowledges the contributions of diverse underrepresented groups to the larger culture. Which commonalities are critics afraid will be missed in the discussion? Students arent so dense that they cannot piece together what ethnic groups have in common with others and what they share with those who are different. I also noticed the concern over a liberated curriculum and a left-wing political agenda. Is there no concern about a repressed curriculum or a right-wing political agenda? The circumlocution seems suspicious to me. Louis DeZutti, Redwood City Advertisement Article continues below this ad Enhance homeless count This year Compass Family Services and Catholic Charities partnered with the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing to call families on shelter and housing waiting lists the night of the count to ask if they were homeless. If they confirmed that they were unsheltered, they were counted. In short, we tried harder to count people. Dont get me wrong, family homelessness is increasing. The departments data shows around 1,800 families were homeless in San Franciscos last fiscal year. Thats up from approximately 1,225 the year before. And over 500 families on the shelter waitlist, which shows that we are in a state of emergency. Advertisement Article continues below this ad For better or worse, the count correlates to the amount of federal funding San Francisco receives to provide homelessness services. As long as this is the case, we must get creative on how to accurately count people. Lets resource the count to truly quantify families with no safe place to live. Lets use the data to track homelessness. Lets acknowledge the true scale of unmet needs so we can fully resource effective solutions. Kendra Froshman, director of impact and learning, Compass Family Services Collaborative courts work Regarding S.F. jails are growing crowded and dangerous. The solution is in Brooke Jenkins hands (Open Forum, SFChronicle.com, July 29): Retired Judge Anthony Kline gives a clear summary of the complicated legal and clinical approaches to addressing crime, addiction, poverty and mental illness. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Kline describes the multiple checks and balances that frame how the legal and clinical treatment teams work to support meaningful change in the lives of some extremely compromised citizens. He also highlights how the decreased use of collaborative courts detrimentally impacts crowding at the county jail. Criticism of collaborative courts reflects an underappreciation of the delicate balance between the use of these programs and the ability of the county jail to incarcerate truly dangerous defendants. Karen Cliffe, San Francisco Dont debate Trump Regarding Questioning Kamala Harris Blackness, Trump blends racism and ignorance (Joe Garofoli, SFChronicle.com, July 31): Donald Trumps shocking comments about Kamala Harris at a conference of Black journalists were not his first racist attacks on Black politicians and raises the question: Is it possible to have an interview or debate with him that is free from attacks, lies and false accusations? Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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 As fact-checkers have pointed out, the debate with President Joe Biden was riddled with falsehoods by Trump. There should be no more presidential debates. They would inevitably drag Harris into self-defense or counter-attack mode, and the issues presidential candidates should address will be lost in the hubbub. In the official version of events, Thomas Crooks acted alone when he climbed a rooftop and shot at Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, injuring the former president. The trouble is, Americans are not buying the official narrative. A DailyMail.com/TIPP Poll shows that voters by a wide margin say Crooks, 20, was not operating solo at the attack in Butler, Pennsylvania, and was part of a bigger conspiracy. A staggering 67 percent of respondents said they believed the shooting was part of a plot, or that they were not sure exactly what happened on July 13. More than a quarter of respondents also said a second shooter took a crack at Trump. Fully 67 percent of respondents did not subscribe to the official version of events A blood-spattered Donald Trump pumped his fist after being shot in the ear by a sniper, eight minutes after he took the stage at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania The nationwide survey of nearly 1,500 adults earlier this month shows how Americans increasingly doubt official narratives and subscribe to alternate versions of reality, which spread fast on social media. Concerns about the shooting are doubtless heightened by the failure of the Secret Service to properly protect Trump, including by not securing a rooftop so close to his speaking podium. Crooks, a nursing home aide, tried to assassinate the 78-year-old by firing an AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle from a rooftop, 150 yards from his stage. Trump's right ear was wounded in the gunfire, and a 50-year-old man was killed. Two other spectators were critically wounded. Crooks, a registered Republican, was shot and killed at the scene by a Secret Service sniper. He left few clues about his beliefs or what motivated him to open fire at the rally. Within minutes of the shooting, social media users were questioning what had taken place and putting forward their own theories. Actress Amanda Seales was among those to suggest that Trump's campaign team staged the attack, so the candidate could appear triumphant and win more votes in November's elections. 'That sh** was more staged than a Tyler Perry production,' said Seales, the star of Insecure. The firing noises sounded more like 'popcorn,' she added, and the blood trickling across Trump's face was from 'pellets' used by movie make-up artists. Meanwhile, on the political right, conspiracy theorist Alex Jones pushed the unfounded claim that the attack was a 'deep state' assassination attempt and a 'failed coup.' That theory was amplified in Proud Boys channels and has gained traction over the subsequent weeks. Eli Crane, an Arizona Republican, and other GOP members have suggested that the shooting was part of a coordinated campaign by Democrats or shadowy government actors to try to stop Trump from reclaiming the White House. Online theorists have claimed Crooks wasn't the sole shooter, but that there was a second gunman near the rally venue. Some claimed there was another person atop a water tower. Other theorists have focussed on an unidentified woman in the crowd wearing sunglasses, a white shirt and a black hat appearing calm and collected as shots rang out at the rally. Actress Amanda Seales posted a video online claiming the attempted assassination of Donald Trump that killed one man and injured others was staged Just under half of respondents say they are confident only one shooter took aim at Donald Trump at the rally Secret Service agents raced to the stage and bundled Trump to the floor after shots were fired While everyone else including Trump ducked down to the ground, in fear for their lives, the woman could be seen pulling out her phone and starting to film the event. Many of the claims about the shooting emerged first on fringe social media platforms like 4chan before migrating to larger sites like X or TikTok, where they were seen by far more people. Many of those rumors may contain exaggerations, missing context or outright falsehoods that evolve into conspiracy theories. The misleading information is then amplified by online trolls, politicians, influencers, and people trying to hawk wares tied to the assassination attempt. With few safeguards to stop bad information online, such claims can quickly spread, impacting the upcoming election and even persisting for years to come. Congressional leaders have set up a bipartisan task force to probe the attack, and some top Republican lawmakers, including Speaker Mike Johnson, have urged their colleagues to 'turn the rhetoric down.' Johnson says he blames the shooting on ineptitude and not any coordinated effort to kill Trump. Our survey shows that most Americans doubt or question the official narrative. Nearly half of respondents 45 percent say Crooks was not working alone, and that others were involved in a plot. Just 33 percent said Crooks was working solo, and 22 percent said they were not sure. That shockingly amounts to more than two thirds of Americans not accepting law enforcement's version of events. Younger Americans and Republicans were more likely than others to suspect a conspiracy. In a separate question, some 27 percent of voters said they thought a second shooter was involved in the attack. Another 46 percent said this was not the case, and 27 percent said they were not sure. The survey has a +/-2.7 percent error margin. It was carried out in early August by TIPP, which is noted for the accuracy of its polls. Democrats want to stifle election prediction betting markets Polymarket, PredictIt and others saying they're a 'threat' to democracy. As Republican nominee Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris poll within a point and the red-hot race heats up, prediction markets have been a helpful tool to gauge voter sentiment, showing which candidate people are betting on to win. Popular platforms PredictIt and Polymarket have raked in millions worth of political prediction bets and boast a booming number of loyal users. But their rapid growth is now in danger, as a group of Democrats is calling for betting on elections to be outlawed, saying the practice is a threat to Democracy. 'Mass commodification of our democratic process would raise widespread concerns about the integrity of our electoral process,' the lawmakers wrote in a letter, pleading with a trading regulator to ban the bets. 'Such an outcome is in clear conflict with the public interest and would undermine confidence in our political process.' Polymarket utilizes cryptocurrency to place wagers on political outcomes such as who will win the 2024 presidential election, shown above. As of Monday morning, wagerers on platform had placed more money on Trump to win than Harris The letter sent to Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Rostin Benham was signed by eight Democrats. Sen. Jeff Merkely, D-Mass., led the letter which was also signed by Democrat Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Mass., Chris Van Hollen, Md., Richard Blumenthal, Conn., and Sheldon Whitehouse, R.I., in addition to Reps. Jamie Raskin, Md., and John Sarbanes, Md. As of Monday morning, Polymarket showed that users were backing former President Donald Trump 55 percent to Vice President Kamala Harris's 43 percent. During the same timeframe PredictIt showed Trump up 51 percent to Harris's 50 percent. Harris, whose campaign is just barely three weeks old, overcame former President Trump in the online prediction markets for the first time last Wednesday, getting 52 percent of the vote to Trump's 50 percent on PredictIt. The prediction markets mirror a number of recent polls that show the vice president surging ahead of the former president. The letter comes as the CFTC currently mulls whether or not it should allow Kalshi - a U.S. prediction market platform - to allow betting on which political party will control Congress come November. 'The CFTC has to make a determination with respect to the contracts, a decision which could effectively allow legal gambling on our elections,' the letter states. 'This is a clear threat to our democracy and elections.' 'We urge the CFTC to reject Kalshi's Congressional Contracts on which political party will be in control of each chamber of the U.S. Congress.' Vice President Kamala Harris had higher odds of getting elected president than former president Donald Trump, according to PredictIt's numbers Monday morning Polymarket, which has seen nearly $1 billion in wagering volume, is not allowed in the U.S. Despite this, some use virtual private networks (VPNs) to avoid U.S. restrictions by routing their connection through other countries before placing wagers Users can also bet on non-political predictions such as whether the U.S. will enter a recession this year The Democrats argue that wagering on the election closely resembles gambling and should be regulated as the practice is, according to the lawmakers, 'contrary to the public interest.' Polymarket has had nearly $1 billion worth of wagers made on its platform despite the platform not allowing U.S.-based users to wager. Still, many can get around the platforms embargo in the U.S. using a virtual private network (VPN) to trick their providers into thinking they are wagering from a location outside the country. PredictIt, meanwhile, is allowed to operate within the U.S. as it is embroiled in an ongoing legal battle with the CFTC, which in 2022 revoked the company's legal status it first issued in 2014. 'The CFTC has never allowed a for-profit venture to operate a political event contract, nor has the agency permitted any entity to operate a political event contract of such scale,' the letter said. Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Mass., (L) and Chris Van Hollen, Md., (R) both signed the letter to CFTC Chairman Benham calling on him to outlaw prediction market betting because it closely mirrors gambling Besides the 2024 presidential election users can also wager on who will be the Democratic party's presidential nominee and other political competitions 'Establishing a large scale, for-profit political event betting market in the United States by approving Kalshi's requested contracts, would profoundly undermine the sanctity and democratic value of elections.' 'Introducing financial incentives into the elections process fundamentally changes the motivations behind each vote, potentially replacing political convictions with financial calculations.' The Democrats also note how rich Americans could wager on a politician and then unfairly influence that bet by simultaneously donating large sums to prop up support for their candidate. 'For example, billionaires could expand their already outsized influence on politics by wagering extraordinary bets while simultaneously contributing to a specific candidate or party,' they wrote. 'There are strong ethics concerns as political insiders privy to non-public information could wield their inside information to profit at voters' expense.' PredictIt's odds for who is likely to become Harris's running mate 'Lastly, these bets could sway the outcome of our elections, undermining the voices of voters. If citizens believe that the democratic process is being influenced by those with financial stakes, it may further exacerbate the disenfranchisement and distrust of voters already facing our nation.' The lawmakers conclude by again urging the CFTC chairman to deny Kalshi's proposal. A teacher at a community hub where three schoolgirls were stabbed to death has branded the wave of far-right riots an 'embarrassment to the human race'. The woman, who wanted to remain anonymous, called the disorder following the stabbings at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club, in Southport, Merseyside, 'terrible'. Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, died following the frenzied attack at The Hart Space on July 29. And a teacher at the venue said those involved in the carnage across Britain over the weekend were taking away from the bereavement process 'just to fuel their anger'. The teacher added that hero Leanne Lucas, 35, who was injured trying to protect children from the 'ferocious' rampage, was doing 'ok' after being admitted to hospital. She said: 'It's terrible, they're taking away all the bereavement of the children, just to fuel their anger. Floral tributes by the side of the road near The Hart Space in Southport, where locals flocked to share their sympathy after the tragedy last week Alice Dasilva Aguiar, aged nine, was one of three children killed by a knifeman at a Taylor-Swift themed dance class in Southport Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged seven, was also fatally wounded in the attack which shocked the nation Bebe King, aged six, was also killed in the attack. A suspect, 17, has appeared in court charged with three murders A person leaves flowers near the scene in Hart Street, Southport, where the event took place 'We can look after ourselves, we don't need anybody to fight for us. It's just not fair. 'God knows what the families of the children who were directly involved must think when they see it. 'It's terrible. It's embarrassing to the human race.' She added: 'Leanne is doing ok.' The teacher said the people of Southport were now trying to 'heal' following the terrible tragedy. She went on: 'I think there is definitely a healing process going on because it feels much more peaceful than everywhere else in the UK, and there's so many things been organized, especially for children. 'It's hard, but the community has been absolutely amazing.' But she said local kids were being affected by the ongoing unrest - and were now 'petrified' to leave their homes. She said: 'The children have been through Covid and now because of all these flipping protesters, now they've lost their independence again - especially the kids in Southport as they're petrified. Leanne Lucas, who bravely helped protect the children, is said to be 'okay' after being injured in the rampage Emergency services and forensics officers at the scene of the stabbing A little girl is helped as she takes flowers to leave with the line of floral tributes Police officers near the scene in Hart Street, Southport, following the stabbing Axel Rudakubana (pictured as a child) is charged with murdering three little girls and harming 10 others at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class with a 'curved kitchen knife' Court artist drawing of Rudakubana covering his face as he appeared in the dock at Liverpool Crown Court last week 'They are petrified of going out, and now there are no clubs going on in Southport, the kids have got nothing to do. It's awful. They are just ruining it for everybody.' Eight other children suffered stab wounds during the incident, along with teachers Ms Lucas and Heidi Liddle, 35, who bravely tried to protect them Suspect Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, 17, has since appeared in court charged with three counts of murder and ten counts of attempted murder. However, in the period since his arrest, misinformation swirled on social media, which led to a violent far-right riot taking place in Southport the following day. Police said more than 50 officers were injured in the mass disorder, which later spread to other regions of the country. And a wave of carnage then unfolded in areas such as Manchester, Bolton, Hull, Liverpool, Bristol, Blackpool and Belfast over the weekend. Migrant hotels were also targeted in Tamworth and Rotherham on Sunday - with bins and generators set alight and officers left injured. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said those involved in the disorder would 'regret' taking part and face the 'full force of the law.' The 'bionic MP' who lost his limbs to sepsis has revealed how doctors at his local hospital tried to persuade his wife to agree to a do not resuscitate (DNR) order. Craig Mackinlay was rushed into hospital last September and put into a 16-day induced coma, with his wife Kati told he had only a 5 per cent chance of survival. Doctors at the Conservative MP's local hospital in Kent are said to have thought the quadruple amputation he required would leave him with a life not worth living. But his wife Kati was helped by fellow Tory politician Adam Holloway to get a second opinion and a more optimistic prognosis from a team at St Thomas' Hospital. Father-of-one Mr Mackinlay was transferred to the hospital in London and several weeks later had the surgeries, surviving to tell his extraordinary story. Now, he has given a vivid account to Andy Coulson's Crisis What Crisis? podcast about the discussions held to consider what could be done to save him. Craig Mackinlay on Andy Coulson's Crisis What Crisis? podcast where he gives a vivid account of his experience losing his limbs to sepsis Craig Mackinlay pictured after his appearance on Andy Coulson's Crisis What Crisis? podcast Craig Mackinlay at the family home in Kent with his wife Kati and daughter Olivia in May Mr Mackinlay said: 'There were conversations being had about the extent of my likely necrosis of limbs and how far up the amputation was likely to be. 'The local hospital's view was it was probably likely to be up to the crutch and up to the armpits. So literally there would be a torso left. 'And you know, I understand a bit of a nudge, nudge, wink, wink - is it worthwhile? Is it a bit of a Liverpool Pathway, will he want to live like that?' He was referring to the Liverpool Care Pathway, a system developed to support patients nearing death which can involve medication, food and fluids being withdrawn. Speaking about his wife, Mr Mackinlay continued: 'Kati could have possibly said, 'Yes, maybe you're right and this is all just rather hopeless'. Craig Mackinlay is given a standing ovation as he returns to the House of Commons on May 22 'But she didn't give in to that. She refused for me to have a 'do not resuscitate' attached to me, which is what they were trying to encourage, and she kept fighting for me.' 'And a friend of mine, Adam Holloway MP, who unfortunately lost his seat, was there supporting the family massively and trying to use whatever means at his disposal, he talked to people in London (at St Thomas' Hospital) about what could be done.' Mr Mackinlay also explained that his symptoms began when he went to bed early feeling 'a little bit unwell' but was then violently sick a few times during the night. He said Kati told him: 'God, you just look pale. You look very pale. I can't feel a pulse, your hands and arms are very cold.' She called 999 and paramedics told him that he was 'really not ill enough to be taken in', but Kati 'sort of remonstrated with them' and told them: 'I've never seen him this bad, please do take him in.' Craig Mackinlay is pictured at St Thomas' Hospital in London after his life-saving operation Within half an hour of being there he said he 'went this very strange blue' which was the start of septic shock that later resulted in the amputations. Mr Mackinlay also said that Kati, who is a pharmacist, had saved his life 'without a doubt'. He continued: 'Well, even on the day I was doing probably that man thing saying, 'Oh don't worry, don't call the ambulance. I'm alright, I'll be alright. You know, I'll be alright.' 'I didn't want to cause too much of a fuss and certainly didn't want to go anywhere near a hospital. That's usually the make trait, I think. 'But no, without Kati insisting that there's something seriously wrong here, and I think she had already come to this potentially could be sepsis, yes, I wouldn't be here. 'And I'm very lucky to have got to the hospital within the Goldilocks zone. Because if it had been much earlier they'd have said, 'You're not ill enough, go home,' and if it had been an hour or two later it would have been too late. ' Talking about what he we could remember during the induced coma, Mr Mackinlay also spoke about a series of 'incredible' dreams which were 'probably enhanced by Fentanyl and Morphine I suppose'. He said: 'I was the King of Gibraltar, that was a good one. I was sent off on a mission with a couple of MP colleagues to sink the Iranian fleet that had been provided by France.' Craig Mackinlay during an interview with the PA news agency at Parliament on May 22 Craig Mackinlay talks about his experiences on ITV's Good Morning Britain on July 29 On May 22, the then-South Thanet MP received an emotional standing ovation in the House of Commons from politicians on all sides as he returned to work. Speaking about the moment, he said: 'To get back in that chamber, and immediately that standing ovation that I had to sort of bring to a close by sitting down, was just incredible. Just incredible.' He added that opposition politicians were 'unbelievably kind, saying: 'I got some emails from Labour MPs that I wouldn't normally have passed the day with. One of them particularly who had me in tears. It was just so wonderful.' Mr Mackinlay started his political career in the early 1990s, briefly leading the United Kingdom Independence Party (Ukip) before leaving to join the Conservative Party in 2005. After returning to Parliament in May, he decided he could not cope with the rigours of a General Election campaign so stood down. Mr Mackinlay instead campaigned for his friend Mr Holloway who lost his seat in Gravesham, Kent, on July 4 to Labour. He will now campaign to raise awareness of the onset of sepsis, which happened extremely fast in his case within a matter of hours. Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection that occurs when the immune system overreacts and starts to damage the body's tissues and organs. Click here to listen to the full episode of 'Andy Coulson's Crisis What Crisis?' podcast Deranged dad Chad Doerman walked around his house holding a bible while mumbling 'Chad knows what's right' before slaughtering his three young sons as their mom breaks her silence following the deadly rampage. The lives of Clayton, 7, Hunter, 4, and Chase, 3, were cruelly snatched in June last year after their own biological father 'hunted them down' before shooting them dead with a rifle. Doerman, 33, pleaded guilty to three counts of aggravated murder and to two counts of felonious assault on his then-wife Laura Doerman, who tried to stop the murders, and stepdaughter, in Clermont County Court on Friday. Judge Richard Ferenc jailed Doerman for three life sentences without parole, and a minimum 16 years for the assault charges. The boys' distraught mom told the court she approved of the plea deal, but said the decision would come as a surprise to some even though it 'brings some finality to the court case for my daughter and me'. Chad Doerman broke down in tears in court after pleading guilty to three counts of aggravated murder after he fatally shot dead his three young biological sons Doerman, who is thought to have planned the killings for at least three months, has been arrested and charged with aggravated murder. He was arraigned on Friday and is now being held on $20 million bail. Pictured: The three boys shot dead The ranch-style blue shingle home where the shootings took place occurred in Monroe Township, about 75 miles west of Columbus Reading her heartbreaking statement aloud in court, she said: 'My name is Laura Doerman and I am the mother of [teen victim], Clayton, Hunter and Chase. On June 15, 2023, my children and I went through a nightmare that most people cannot even begin to imagine. We grieve every day for my boys, and we miss them so much. 'I am in full agreement with how the criminal case was resolved... No punishment will ever bring my boys back. Having a guarantee that he will spend the rest of his life behind bars is what is best for my family. 'I have two requests from everyone here and everyone watching this. First, please respect my family's privacy... My second request is for everyone to remember and to talk about Clayton, Hunter, and Chase for who they were before the events of June 15, 2023. 'Remember them as the three little boys who loved fishing, go-carting, and swimming. Remember them as the boys who love to have fun and were inseparable from one another. 'Their lives are not only about what happened to them - they are so much more than that. 'I love you Clayton, Hunter and Chase'. Doerman initially faced 21 charges, including nine counts of murder, and the plea deal took the death penalty off the table. Prosecutors have previously claimed Doerman planned the executions for months. Doerman had allegedly arrived home earlier than usual on the fateful day. 'The defendant obtained a bible and was walking around the house with it. While walking with the bible, the defendant was mumbling, 'Chad knows what's right,' court documents stated. Doerman updated his Facebook page to include this picture days before his murder spree. After his arrest, Doerman allegedly confessed to lining up his three young sons and shooting them one after another Officials have not released a motive for the slayings. A photo of the three innocent victims. Doerman then allegedly walked towards the master bedroom in his home while unlocking his gun safe. When Laura noticed Doerman's actions, she told him that 'he was scaring her, that she did not like what he was doing, and that she would call his parents,' according to the documents. In response, Doerman allegedly said he was 'just kidding,' and was 'playing around' and went back to the master bedroom to lie down. 'Due to his behavior [the mother] did not want him to be alone, so she and their [son] went into the bedroom with him,' the amended bill of particulars said. 'After he initially laid down, the defendant got out of bed, got into the gun safe, removing a Marlin Model .22 rifle and a loaded magazine. The defendant then shot his son twice,' according to the documents. 'Immediately, [the mother] called 911 and began to render aid. An open 911 call captured [the mother] screaming for her other children to run. 'It also captured her attempts to protect her children. At some point in during a struggle over the gun, [the mother] was shot in the hand. She also suffered other various injuries during the struggle with the defendant over the firearm,' the amended bill of particulars said. Court documents stated that Doerman's stepdaughter, Alexis, ran for her live with the two boys before one of them separated from the group and headed towards a field. She ran after the young boy and yelled for him to keep going while Doerman chased her, according to court documents. '[The boy] was struck by gunfire, knocking him to the ground. [The daughter] watched as the defendant then approached. The defendant then turned and looked back at [the boy] before he fired one round' at close range. Th stepdaughter then rushed back to the house to pick up the third boy. The suspect's 14-year-old stepdaughter Alexis (center) pictured with her three brothers, who were gunned down execution style by their father on June 15. The teen ran to get help screaming, 'my stepfather is killing everybody in the house' Police body camera footage shows the arrest of Chad Doerman, who was sitting on his front steps when police arrived after he allegedly shot his three sons, ages 7, 4, and 3 Chad Doerman, 32, enters the Clermont County Common Pleas courthouse to be arraigned 'As she attempted to flee the residence, the defendant must have heard [the boy] crying and began to go after them. [The boy] ran with [the daughter] towards the firehouse, but as she approached the road, the defendant caught up to her, raised the rifle, pointing the firearm at her,' court documents say. Doerman allegedly demanded the girl to put the young boy down, which she did, while begging her stepfather not to shoot her. 'Once she put the child down, she witnessed the defendant attempt to shoot [the boy], however, the gun misfired and [the boy] fled to his mother who was in the side yard attempting to render aid,' according to the amended bill of particulars. The brave girl then ran in the direction of local Monroe Township Fire Department. '[She] was stopped by a passerby and advised that her father was 'killing everyone', the documents state. Doerman then returned to shoot the final boy in the head, the documents said, before laying all three bodies next to each other. On Friday, a prosecutor read a heartbreaking statement Alexis had written following the brutal ordeal as she faced her stepfather in court. 'Chad, I trusted you with my life,' Alexis wrote. 'I always wanted to make sure I was making you proud but most of all I saw you as my dad, not just a stepdad.' She wrote that Doerman raised her well and gave her an amazing life, but since the killing, she said her life has become something she wouldn't wish on any family. 'I don't get to do any of the fun stuff anymore because they're gone and you took their lives,' Alexis wrote. 'When you took those three boys lives away, you took mine and took my mom's.' 'I don't think I will ever be able to hate you,' Alexis added. 'Yes, you did something so horrific and traumatic to those boys, but I will forever hold on to the memories I have of you and the boys because those are all happy memories. 'I will never in a million years ever forgive you for what you have done, and hope you pay for your actions like you deserve, but I will never hate you.' A Florida Republican has been arrested for allegedly choking one teenager and slapping another during a Miami campaign event which spiraled out of control. George Bardmesser, an attorney who is vying to become the Sunny Isles Beach commissioner, has been charged with two counts of child abuse after chaos unfolded during a coffee meet-up at a Cuban restaurant on Sunday. The Russian-American 59-year-old was booked at the Miami Dade Corrections & Rehabilitation Center around 6.30pm that day, online records show. Witnesses told local news channel WPLG that Bardmesser assaulted two teens at El Tropico Cuban Cuisine in Sunny Isles Beach before cops led him away in handcuffs. 'There was a couple of kids sitting and I don't know whether they were instigating, said something, generated this gentleman to get up. He put a chokehold on one of the kids and slapped another one,' said restaurant owner Pedro Vera. Florida Republican George Bardmesser has been arrested for allegedly slapping one teenager before choking another during a campaign event at a Cuban restaurant George Bardmesser, a Russian-American attorney who is vying to become the Sunny Isles Beach commissioner, has been charged with two counts of child abuse after the coffee meet-up spiraled out of control on Sunday 'I would never bring my kids to a political event if I thought I was putting them in harm,' Sunny Isles Beach commissioner Fabiola Stuyvesant said. She attended the event with the teenagers Bardmesser allegedly attacked 'He got out of hand. He lost control. It should have never happened.' Shocking video of the aftermath shows a woman shouting 'you hit a child!' at Bardmesser, who is wearing his political campaign t-shirt, as he shrugs in response. The political hopeful is later seen being held close to a wall by another man at the restaurant who appears to be attempting to engage with him. Sunny Isles Beach commissioner Fabiola Stuyvesant attended the coffee meet with the teenagers Bardmesser allegedly assaulted. It's unclear what her relation to them is. 'I would never bring my kids to a political event if I thought I was putting them in harm,' Stuyvesant told WPLG. 'As a parent, it's the worst nightmare you could have to see your child be hurt by a big guy.' Bardmesser is 6'2'' and weighs in at 230lbs, according to his booking record. A bond amount has not yet been set. He faces two charges of child abuse with no great bodily harm. Ironically, the Republican had pledged to 'invest in our police' in his campaign posters. Bardmesser is 6'2'' and weighs in at 230lbs, according to his booking record. A bond amount has not yet been set. He faces two charges of child abuse with no great bodily harm George Bardmesser, a Russian-American attorney who is vying to become the Sunny Isles Beach commissioner, has been charged with two counts of child abuse after the coffee meet-up spiraled out of control on Sunday The political hopeful is later seen being held close to a wall by another man at the restaurant who appears to be attempting to engage with him Bardmesser is an attorney who specializes in intellectual property law. He has been a New York State Bar member since 1998. He has also written a fiction novel called Future Shot, about a time-traveling soldier from a post-apocalyptic future. Far-right thugs who have taken to the streets of Britain have admitted they don't even know why they are carrying out the violent riots. Community centres, charities and local businesses were targeted last week in shameful scenes that have blighted towns and cities on UK streets in the wake of last week's Southport stabbing attack. Almost 400 people have been arrested as vehicles were set alight and shops looted by balacalva-clad mobs with hotels being housed by migrants and asylum seekers also being targeted. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer today chaired an emergency Cobra meeting and vowed to set up a 'standing army' of specialist officers to tackle what he has condemned as 'far-right thuggery'. Tommy Robinson, his ally 'Danny Tommo', Reclaim party leader Laurence Fox and figures from hate group Patriotic Alternative have been among those pouring fuel on the flames with inflammatory posts on X, Telegram, Facebook and TikTok. Yet some of those who have taken to the streets don't know why they are there and are asking what they are even protesting about. People who have taken to the streets of Britain have admitted they don't even know why they are carrying out the riots In Hull, two women were pictured with a basket full of Lush cosmetics and crocs I dont think thats why the titanic sunk love. pic.twitter.com/1skQ01s0Ym Jon (@jonhotspur88) August 3, 2024 A woman with a United Kingdom flag draped over her shoulders wrongly stated the Titanic sunk because there were too many people on board and said England was also sinking because there are 'too many here' In one Facebook post advertising a protest in Weymouth and Portland, one person asks 'what in particular are we protesting' or 'is it everything in general' In one Facebook post advertising a protest in Weymouth and Portland, one person asks 'what in particular are we protesting' or 'is it everything in general' to which someone replies: 'It's everything in general.' In Hull, a picture of two young women loaded with supposedly looted goods of fake Crocs were said to have been heard to be boasting with glee that 'it's like Christmas'. The Lush store in the city was left with smashed front windows and products littered outside the front door. The retailer said its staff were 'devastated at what has happened to our beautiful shop in Hull and how our fellow retailers have also been treated'. A spokesperson said: 'We are proud to be part of a multi-racial Britain and to be part of the wonderful, vibrant and diverse community of Hull. 'Our wonderful shop manager and team have worked tirelessly to get the shop ready to start trading again. 'I want to thank those that came to help with the clean-up, from contractors repairing our windows and doors, the cleaning team that worked through the night, to the community of Hull who have shared their well-wishes to our team.' Humberside Police arrested 29 people after the 'mindless thuggery' on Saturday. Assistant Chief Constable Thom McLoughlin has vowed 'more will follow' as the force combs through videos and photos that have been sent in. 'I can assure you more will follow as we continue to extensively view numerous clips and videos that have been sent into us as well as circulating on social media to further assist with multiple lines of enquiry,' he said. While a woman with a United Kingdom flag draped over her shoulders says during one protest as she grasps a mini flag in her hand: 'Put it another way. When you've got the Titanic and they filled it with too many people, what happened? It sunk.' In the video she snarls: 'And that's what is happening to England. We're sinking. Too many here.' The Titanic sank on April 14, 1912, during its maiden voyage across the Atlantic when it hit an iceberg at full speed. More than 1,500 men, women and children were killed. Hundreds of far-right thugs have been arrested during six days of escalating disorder, which have seen attacks on police and buildings set alight. Sir Keir 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. Riots spread from Southport across the country last week in horror scenes that have terrified communities HULL: A Lush shop is seen after being looted following riots in Hull Scenes after last night's riots in Middlesbrough saw burnt out cars and debris scattered across the town Fires in Middlesbrough caused serious damage to homes and businesses over the weekend Racist graffiti was pictured in Tamworth this morning with phrases 'Get out England' and 'F*** P****' After the Cobra meeting today, the premier said that 'there are a number of actions that came out of the meeting'. 'The first is we will have a standing army of specialist public duty officers so that we will have enough officers to deal with this where we need them,' he said. 'The second is we will ramp up criminal justice. There have already been hundreds of arrests, some have appeared in court this morning. 'I have asked for early consideration of the earliest naming and identification of those involved in the process who will feel the full force of the law. 'Thirdly, I have been absolutely clear that the criminal law applies online as well as offline. I am assured that that is the approach that is being taken. 'Whatever the apparent motivation, this is not protest, it is pure violence and we will not tolerate attacks on mosques or our Muslim communities. 'So the full force of the law will be visited on all those who are identified as having taken part in these activities.' Sir Keir denied that 'two-tier policing' was being carried out in the UK. He told broadcasters: 'There is no two-tier policing. 'There is policing without fear or favour exactly as it should be, exactly what I would expect and require. So that is a non-issue.' During the Cobra meeting, the PM 'paid tribute to the hard work of police officers over the past week and sent best wishes to those who have been injured protecting our streets', Downing Street said. The talks were attended by Sir Keir, Deputy PM Angela Rayner, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle, Attorney General Richard Hermer, and Darren Jones, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury. They met with senior police and prison service leaders, bosses from the National Crime Agency (NCA), and other top officials. Hundreds of police officers have been injured in clashes with thugs, as far-right activists led the way in attacking police officers, mosques and hotels thought to house asylum seekers this week Islamophobic chants were heard and in some areas of the country rioters were filmed stopping cars and interrogating drivers about whether they were 'white and English' Outside hotels in the north of England, thugs tried to force their way inside and threw chairs, bins and bricks Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly condemned arson attacks on hotels on Sky News this morning Riot police officers push back violent far-right activists outside the Holiday Inn Express Hotel after attempts were made to set fire to it - with dozens thought to be inside at the time The PM's official spokesman told reporters: 'There have been hundreds of arrests and people are already being charged, and police will continue to update on the specifics in relation to progress or arrests and charging. 'The police are continuing to deploy additional resource around the country at strategic locations where necessary. 'The police, Home Office, DSIT (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) and NCA are working to tackle criminality online, to ensure people are prosecuted for online criminal activity. And they are working to tackle misinformation and bot activity.' Downing Street warned that anyone whipping up violence online could face prison. 'I should be very clear that anyone who stokes this violence, whether on the internet or in person, can be prosecuted and face prison,' Sir Keir's official spokesman said. The Harris campaign boasts dozens of Republican supporters, including former governors, members of Congress and even ex-Trump administration officials. A new rollout of the endorsements included a number of names that were already openly critical of the former president like former Trump press secretary Stephanie Grisham, former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, Ill., and ex-Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld. Olivia Troye, former national security advisor to then-Vice President Mike Pence, was also included on the list. So was Chuck Hagel, who served in the Senate as a Republican from Nebraska but worked as Barack Obama's defense secretary. Ray Lahood, Obama's Transportation secretary and a former Republican House member, also endorsed Harris. 'I was a proud Republican, but Donald Trump is unfit to lead our nation. We saw during his four years in office how he consistently chose himself, his pursuit of power, and his billionaire friends over the American people while spewing lies and spreading chaos at every turn,' Christine Todd Whitman, a Republican ex-governor from New Jersey and EPA administrator under President George W. Bush, said in a statement. The list of endorsements was circulated on Sunday, as Harris is expected to announce her running mate pick soon. A new rollout of the endorsements included a number of names that were already openly critical of the former president like former Trump press secretary Stephanie Grisham Ray Lahood, Obama's Transportation secretary and a former Republican House member, also endorsed Harris Former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan - who soured on Trump over his election fraud claims in the Peach State in 2020 - was on the list of endorsements, along with ex-Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar. Former House Reps. Denver Riggleman, Va., Susan Molinari, N.Y., among others. Thirty names were included on the list. Missing from the list was ex-Rep. Liz Cheney, Wyo., an outspoken Trump critic and a key member of the January 6 subcommittee. She was removed from her House leadership post over criticisms of Trump and his fight against the 2020 election results. She has yet to speak out to make an endorsement in the race. Many being touted by the Harris campaign cited the January 6th riot in their public break from Trump. Harris, right, pictured with possible VP pick, PA Gov. Josh Shapiro The Harris campaign boasts dozens of Republican supporters, including former governors, members of Congress and even ex-Trump administration officials 'Serving as his chief spokesperson and one of the longest-serving members of his team, I saw firsthand the lengths Trump was willing to go to stay in power as he did on January 6th, and the lies he so easily told Americans,' Grisham said in a statement. 'I might not agree with Vice President Kamala Harris on everything, but I know that she will fight for our freedom,' she went on. 'I encourage other Trump administration officials who saw the tyrant we worked for in office to speak out.' 'As a proud conservative, I never thought Id be endorsing a Democrat,' said Kinzinger. 'Trump poses a direct threat to fundamental American values. He only cares about himself, and his pursuit of power. Thats what we saw on January 6 when he sent a mob to overturn our lawful election,' he went on. 'There's too much at stake to sit on the sidelines.' Horrifying new video has emerged of the moments leading up to a devastating crash that claimed four lives at a Long Island nail salon, including a police officer getting her nails done before her wedding. The chilling footage shows ex-Marine Steven Schwally, 64, looking visibly disheveled as he purchased alcohol at a liquor shop, before embarking on his deadly rampage. Schwally can then be seen speeding through a parking lot, narrowly avoiding pedestrians in the footage obtained by Newsday, before charging full-speed into Hawaii Nail & Spa in Deer Park on June 28. The former Marine allegedly said he had consumed 18 beers before getting behind the wheel and reaching speeds of 78mph before plowing into the salon. The chilling footage shows ex-Marine Steven Schwally, 64, looking visibly disheveled as he purchased alcohol at a liquor shop, before embarking on his deadly rampage Schwally can then be seen speeding through a parking lot, narrowly avoiding pedestrians in the footage obtained by Newsday, before charging full-speed into Hawaii Nail & Spa in Deer Park on June 28 The former Marine allegedly said he had consumed 18 beers before getting behind the wheel and reaching speeds of 78mph before plowing into the salon Prosecutors say that Schwally's speech was slurred, his eyes were bloodshot, and his breath reeked of alcohol at the time of his arrest. The crash claimed four lives, including that of an off-duty police officer, Emilia Rennhack, 34. The three other victims were named as 37-year-old Jiancai Chen, the owner of the salon, and employees Yan Xu, 41, and Meizi Zhang, 50. Nine other people were injured including a 12-year-old girl. Schwally allegedly told officers after the crash: 'I haven't broken any laws. Can I get my license back? I'm a Marine.' On Thursday, Schwally pleaded not guilty to a 38-count indictment including charges of murder and vehicular manslaughter. Schwally faces a potential life sentence if convicted of the top charges. The video appears to show no deceleration at all as Schwally's 2020 Chevy Traverse barrels down the road opposite and into the car lot before hitting the salon. The sound of screams can be heard from the salon and customers from the neighboring business can be seen running out of their store to see what had happened. Off-duty NYPD officer Emilia Rennhack, 30, was killed during Friday's crash An employee at the salon, Yan Xu, 41, also lost her life in the tragic crash Jiancai Chen, owner of the Hawaii Nail & Spa salon in Deer Park was also killed in the crash Prosecutors described the crash as having occurred with the driver having 'accelerated at a high rate of speed', and that Schwally allegedly: 'Drove in the opposite lane of travel, nearly striking pedestrians. 'He continued through the intersection, went airborne' as he slammed into the packed nail salon.' The car was only brought to a halt by the back of the building after destroying everything in its path. This is not Schwally's first time being charged with driving while intoxicated, Newsday reports. Back in April 2014, he pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and had his license suspended. Schwally's brother Edward also claims he has had more than one prior DUI, recounting how he once drove his brother to probation after he refused to take a breathalyzer in 2010 or 2011. 'It's like my worst nightmare come true,' the brother told The Post. 'I feel terrible about innocent people getting hurt. He also admitted his brother had a habit of 'bad mouthing everyone'. 'He could be vicious at times,' he added. The security footage caught the split-second the car slammed into the salon, narrowly missing a pedestrian and killing four people inside 'I mean I feel terrible for him that it ended up happening. There's nothing I can really do for him. It's out of everybody's hands. It's in the hands of the courts. 'He is not going to see the light of day. He's finished. There is no way to get out of that.' The nail bar's clients have reacted with horror to the graphic footage with some demanding the driver receive a life sentence. 'I'm terribly sorry for all you have had to endure,' wrote Christopher Steven. 'Hang in there nail salon ladies. Justice will be done.' 'Omg this is insane. They had no chance,' wrote Jenny Lynne. Downing Street today slapped down Elon Musk's claim that 'civil war is inevitable' amid Britain's outbreak of rioting in the wake of the Southport stabbing attack. No10 said there was 'no justification' for the controversial billionaire's remarks as the Prime Minister scrambles to deal with the escalating disorder. Mr Musk used his X social media site, formerly known as Twitter, yesterday to reply to a post that blamed 'mass migration and open borders' for unrest in the UK. 'Civil war is inevitable,' the mega-wealthy investor wrote in response to another user. But, asked about the businessman's remarks this morning, Sir Keir Starmer's official spokesman said: 'There's no there's no justification for comments like that.' Downing Street today slapped down Elon Musk 's claim that 'civil war is inevitable' amid Britain's outbreak of rioting in the wake of the Southport stabbing attack No10 said there was 'no justification' for the controversial billionaire's remarks as the Prime Minister scrambles to deal with the escalating disorder Mr Musk used his X social media site, formerly known as Twitter , yesterday to reply to a post that blamed 'mass migration and open borders' for unrest in the UK The spokesman added: 'What we've seen in this country is organised violent thuggery that has no place either on our streets or online. 'As the Home Secretary [Yvette Cooper] said this morning, we're talking about a minority of thugs that do not speak for Britain. 'And in response to it, we've seen some of the best of our communities coming out and cleaning up the mess, disruption of those that don't speak for our country. 'We've seen a response from people that do speak for our country. I think you can you can tell from that that the PM does not share those sentiments.' The clash between Downing Street and Mr Musk came as the Government piled fresh pressure on social media companies, such as X, to remove criminal material and hate-filled misinformation from their sites. Sir Keir himself warned that anyone whipping up violence online will face 'the full force of the law', while Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said social media firms providing 'a platform for this hate' must go further in tackling it. After chairing an emergency Cobra meeting this morning, the PM stressed that 'the criminal law applies online as well as offline'. The police, Home Office, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the National Crime Agency are working to tackle criminality online and to ensure people are prosecuted for online criminal activity, according to Downing Street. The PM's spokesman told reporters: 'Anyone who stokes this violence, whether on the internet or in person, can be prosecuted and face prison.' Mr Kyle said the Government is working with social media giants to ensure they are not promoting inflammatory content. In a statement on X, he posted: 'The internet cannot be a haven for those looking to sow division in our communities. 'Responsibility for harmful social media content principally rests with the individuals and groups who create it. 'But it is undeniable that social media has provided a platform for this hate. We have been clear with these companies they also have a responsibility not to peddle the harm of those who seek to damage and divide our society, and we are working closely with them to ensure they meet that responsibility.' No 10 also warned that action by social media firms to tackle harmful material 'doesn't go far enough'. Sir Keir's spokesman said: 'The Government is working with social media platforms to ensure that they are removing content quickly, that their processes are in place. 'But there is more that they can and should be doing, as I think the Prime Minister has said, to counter misleading and inflammatory material hosted on their platforms. 'They have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their users and online spaces to ensure that criminal activity is not being posted on their platforms. They shouldn't be waiting for the Online Safety Act for that.' Authorities are working to crack down on misinformation and bot activity, which may be being amplified by hostile state actors, No 10 said. 'Clearly we have seen bot activity online, much of which may well be amplified with the involvement of state actors amplifying some of the disinformation and misinformation that we've seen,' Sir Keir's spokesman added. 'And that is something that the NCA and DSIT are looking at in relation to what we've seen online. I obviously can't get into more detail than that, but it is clearly something that is being looked at.' The PM's spokesman declined to get into more detail on which states may be behind it, but added that 'it is clearly something that is being looked at'. In this long exposure photo, a streak appears in the sky during the annual Perseid meteor shower at the Guadarrama mountains, near Madrid, in the early hours of Aug. 12, 2016. The annual shower peaks next weekend. Francisco Seco/Associated Press One of the brightest annual meteor showers peaks this weekend, and its been causing a buzz in Southern California, with officials warning of a traffic surge to Joshua Tree National Park and its prime dark-sky vistas. But those in the Bay Area who are willing to stay up late or get up very early are also in for a celestial treat, astronomers say. The Perseids, which occur each year from mid-July to late August, will peak from 11 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 11, to 3:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 12, according to Gerald McKeegan, adjunct astronomer at Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The moon will set around 11:23 p.m. Sunday, so the sky will be dark during the best viewing hours, making it easier to see fainter meteors, explained McKeegan. The meteor shower is a result of dust and rocky particles left behind by a comet called 109P/Swift-Tuttle, which orbits the sun about every 134 years, McKeegan said. It is named after the constellation Perseus, from which it appears to emanate. When the Earths orbit intersects the debris trail, meteor particles enter the atmosphere at about 40-60 kilometers per second, causing shock heating and friction that quickly burns up the particles and ionizes the air around them, McKeegan said. This produces the long bright streaks that we see as shooting stars. The Perseid shower is a blockbuster for several reasons, according to experts. Like the Leonids in November, the Perseids are among the swiftest meteors, due to the almost head-on interaction between the meteoroid stream and the apex of the Earths path along its orbit, said Paul D. Lynam, staff astronomer at Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton near San Jose. The high speed sometimes produces residual glowing meteor trails that can last several seconds, he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Perseids also tend to generate a higher incidence of fireballs larger, brighter meteors sometimes casting shadows with much more unique and noticeable characteristics, including breakups, flaring, sparking and intense colors. If youre well situated for viewing, you should be able to see 50 to 70 meteors per hour during the Perseid shower, experts said. Viewing tips To view the Perseids, youll want to find a dark location away from city lights, according to experts. Dont use a telescope or binoculars, which can restrict your view, according to Andrew Fraknoi, emeritus chair of the Foothill College astronomy department. Its also important to check the weather forecast ahead of time, because significant clouds or fog will obscure the meteors. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Fraknoi offers these additional tips: Shooting stars can appear anywhere in the sky, so pick a location where you can see as much of the dome of the sky as possible. Allow at least 10 to 15 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark. Dress warmly and bring a chair or blanket. Be patient and bring a friend or loved one to share the experience with. Where to go Parks offering unobstructed vistas without artificial light are particularly popular with stargazers. For those willing to take a road trip, Southern California offers five places certified by the organization DarkSky International for their exceptional nighttime vistas. Among them is Joshua Tree National Park though after it was swamped by visitors during last years exceptionally vivid Perseids shower, park officials are urging people to consider other DarkSky locations like Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Death Valley National Monument. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But experts assure that there are plenty of places to get a good view of the Perseids in the Bay Area including West Marin County, where an activist group is seeking the regions first DarkSky designation. Bay Area viewing spots recommended by Chabot staff astronomer Ben Burress include: South Bay: Henry W. Coe State Park. The Peninsula: Pullouts along Skyline Boulevard in the northern part of the Santa Cruz Mountains. East Bay: Sunol, East Bay hills from Tilden to Hayward. North Bay: Rural roads throughout the region. Want to watch the meteor shower with fellow stargazers? Chabot is hosting a watch party at the center in the Oakland hills. Go here for tickets. ($15 for adults; $7 for youths under 12, seniors and students with ID; free for members.) Tommy Robinson has been 'sacked' by his British Muslim tax advisor after she accused him of instigating far-right race riots across the UK, MailOnline can reveal. Jesminara Rahman, who specialises in tax disputes, told the former English Defence League leader that she no longer wanted his money as he was 'destroying' the country after it emerged that he has been stoking the riots from the safety of a sun lounger on the outskirts of Ayia Napa. Ms Rahman, a former HMRC Tax Inspector, told MailOnline that she was advising Robinson in relation to a tax matter concerning his ex-wife, Jenna Lennon. She said: 'I don't want to work with him anymore. His deposit has been returned.' Tommy Robinson pictured sunbathing on holiday in Ayia Napa in Cyprus. The 41-year-old, who had a UK arrest warrant issued against him last Monday after he missed a court appearance had tried to keep his holiday location a secret Jesminara Rahman (pictured) told the former English Defence League leader that she no longer wanted his money as he was 'destroying' the country Ms Rahman, a former HMRC Tax Inspector, told MailOnline that she was advising Robinson in relation to a tax matter concerning his ex-wife, Jenna Lennon (pictured) Details of Tommy Robinson's sacking were inadvertently posted by him as he shared messages of support he claimed to have received since riots kicked off in the UK Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has made a host of controversial comments about Muslims in Britain on his social media pages. In a 2016 interview with Newsweek, Robinson said: 'I'm not far-right I'm just opposed to Islam. I believe it's backward and it's fascist. 'The current refugee crisis is nothing to do with refugees. It's a Muslim invasion of Europe.' He received the news about his sacking at an all-inclusive Cyprus resort where he has been staying over the past few days, which was first revealed by MailOnline. Details of his sacking were inadvertently posted by him as he shared messages of support he claimed to have received since riots kicked off in the UK. Robinson wrote: 'I literally have 100's of messages of love & support all day every day. Thank you thank you thank you.' But in a rush to give his followers a glimpse of the messages, bungling Robinson also posted a WhatsApp message from Ms Rahman. She wrote: 'I am just letting you know that in good conscience with your instigation of riots in the UK, causing a lot of people to suffer. I can't represent you anymore. Please provide your bank details so I can return your deposit. 'Between you and the Zionists you are destroying our country. The irony is that if I was in the streets your followers would attack me because of the colour of my skin.' After accidentally posting the hard-hitting message, one of Robinson's followers asked him: 'Is the last picture supposed to be there.' He then reposted his messages of support without the one from Ms Rahman. Ms Rahman runs a company called Tax Resolute Ltd, which is based in Ilford, East London and specialises in a range of tax issues. It also represents clients involved in disputes with HMRC. Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, received the news at an all-inclusive Cyprus resort (Robinson at a protest in London on July 27) In a rush to give his followers a glimpse of the messages, bungling Robinson also posted a WhatsApp message from Ms Rahman Robinson has posted a stream of inflammatory social media posts from his foreign bolthole while on holiday with family and friends On the company website, she describes herself as having 'over 22 years experience in tax investigations' and as somebody who can 'help taxpayers and agents resolve tax disputes.' Ms Rahman previously worked in HMRC for 15 years and specialised in dispute resolution. She refused to reveal how long she had been working for Robinson but insisted that he was referred to her and not somebody she knew previously. Robinson has posted a stream of inflammatory social media posts from his foreign bolthole while on holiday with family and friends. The 41-year-old, who had a UK arrest warrant issued against him last Monday after he missed 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. But MailOnline revealed the luxury resort Robinson has been spending time in and that he spoke today to Indian English-language news channel CNN-News18, denying that he had 'fled the UK.' Robinson said: 'I am on holiday with my children, that was planned. I never received any court documentation summoning me to court. 'I am not on bail to attend court. There was a process the court has to go to, that process is not to give information to far-left organisations.' He also told the channel that he adopted the pseudonym Tommy Robinson because people wanted to 'murder' him, adding: 'My real name is actually Stephen Lennon. 'Yes, I did use a pseudonym. Because if you want to speak about Islam, people want to kill you.' He also claimed that 'six Muslims are currently in British prisons for 30 years for planning to murder me'. Ms Rahman runs a company called Tax Resolute Ltd, which is based in Ilford, East London Tommy Robinson addresses the crowd gathered at Trafalgar Square in central London during a protest he organised Protesters outside New Scotland Yard in London on July 28 protesting the reported arrest of Tommy Robinson Robinson added: 'I tried to protect my name, because I wanted to protect my family. I don't think that is ridiculous at all.' Robinson has been mixing happily with other holidaymakers in Cyprus, 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. It comes after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer warned those 'whipping up this action online and then running away themselves' would face consequences. 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 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. 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. A New York town clerk and treasurer will be sentenced to prison and forced to give up her pension after stealing more than $1 million during her tenure. Ursula Stone, 56, pleaded guilty to public corruption and admitted to stealing $1,171,362 from the Village of Addison in Steuben County over her 19-year career. An audit by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli in 2022 found Stone had been running the financial operations of the village with no oversight. Investigators said Stone gave herself unauthorized pay raises, took time off without deducting it from her leave credits and wrote herself checks for unauthorized health insurance buyouts. 'For nearly two decades, Ursula Stone took advantage of her position and the trust of Addison residents to shamelessly steal over a million dollars,' DiNapoli said. Ursula Stone, 56, pleaded guilty to public corruption and admitted to stealing $1,171,362 from the Village of Addison Stone served as the clerk-treasurer of the Village of Addison for 19 years 'Thanks to the work of my office, District Attorney Baker, and the State Police, her crimes were uncovered, and she has been brought to justice. This case should send a clear message that those who dishonor their public office will face serious consequences.' DiNapolis office found Stone stole dozens of checks from the Addison Central School District payable to the village by converting them to certified bank checks and then cashing them out for herself. The woman had also been cashing out unused vacation time since 2004, an option only available for employees who resigned or retired. As pressure from the investigation mounted, Stone resigned from her position in March 2023, but not before writing herself one final unauthorized check for $26,613. The board stopped payment on the check before she was able to cash it. Investigators said Stone stole checks, gave herself unauthorized pay raises and took time off without deducting it from her leave credits She was arrested in November and pled guilty to one felony count of corrupting the government. Stone will be sentenced to serve three-to-nine years in state prison on August 7, reported WHAM. Steuben County Supreme Court Judge Patrick F. McAllister has also ordered her to give up her monthly pension payment of $1,920 - making her the first person in the state to face that punishment under a 2011 law. 'The magnitude, scope, duration and pervasiveness of this criminal activity is absolutely stunning,' said Steuben County District Attorney Brooks Baker. 'For nearly two decades, Ursula Stone abused the trust of the people of the Village of Addison, using her position to steal from their taxes, their schools and their community. The impact of her criminal acts on this community has been and will be felt for decades.' A historian known as the 'Nostradamus' of presidential elections has revealed who vice-president Kamala Harris should pick as her running mate. Allan Lichtman, who has correctly predicted nine out of the 10 last elections, said in a YouTube livestream on Thursday that Harris' choice was down to two VP candidates -Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona senator Mark Kelly. 'I don't think a VP pick turns the election, but a VP pick is incredibly important,' said the American University professor. 'I think all of the names that have been vetted are qualified. In my view, it's come down to two.' In an interview with Newsweek, Lichtman added that Shapiro would be a particularly good VP choice given he comes from a state whose 19 electoral votes are up for grabs. 'Picking someone from a given state is no guarantee you're going to win that state, but if you want to reach out to any particular state, Pennsylvania is the most important state in this election,' the historian said. Allan Lichtman, who has correctly predicted nine out of the 10 last elections, said in a YouTube livestream on Thursday that Harris' choice was down to two VP candidates 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 No Democrat has won the presidency without winning Pennsylvania since Harry Truman in 1948. The state has voted Democrat for every election since 1992 except for 2016, when it went for Donald Trump, who is running again in November for the Republicans. 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. The short list of candidates reportedly also includes Minnesota governor Tim Walz, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. Last month Lichtman updated his complicated prediction model to reflect President Joe Biden dropping out of the race and Vice President Kamala Harris become the presumptive Democratic nominee. Lichtman added that Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro would be a particularly good VP choice given he comes from a swing state whose 19 electoral votes are up for grabs Arizona senator Mark Kelly is another top choice for Harris' VP, the historian said Based on his model which includes thirteen factors, or 'keys' as he calls them, Harris is currently on course for victory with less than 100 days to go before Election Day. Lichtman's model measures factors against the party currently in the White House, which at this time is the Democrats. He said he will make his official prediction for the election next month, but Harris has a majority of his keys leaning in her favor to win. 'I plan to make my official prediction in August after the Democratic convention,' Lichtman wrote on X. 'See my assessment below on the 13 Keys Tracker on where The Keys stand NOW.' The factors giving Harris the advantage include that she did not face a primary challenger, there has been little threat from third party candidates so far, and the economy is strong in the short and long term. The short list of candidates reportedly also includes Minnesota governor Tim Walz, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg (pictured) With the switch to Harris, the White House also hasn't made a major policy change and the vice president is not facing a scandal or major social unrest. Lichtman noted that with the transition from Biden to Harris as the presumptive nominee last week, the Democrats have lost one advantage: the incumbency factor. With Harris and Trump set to face off, the professor views this race is essentially open now. But he noted Democrats were able to prevent some further fallout with its shakeup with the party overwhelmingly rallying behind Harris rather than kicking off a chaotic open primary or having other presidential hopefuls jumping into the race at this late stage. 'I have not made a final prediction. I've said I will make it after the Democratic convention,' Lichtman told C-SPAN. 'But I have said for months, and I continue to say a lot would have to go wrong for Democrats to lose,' he added. 'That could happen, but a lot would have to change.' This video is no longer available This video is no longer available A mum killed in a horror crash has been remembered by her grieving family as a kind and loving woman - as her best friend fights for life in hospital. Bakery owner Yen Nguyen, 53, was on her way to work when a food delivery truck collided with her van at a busy intersection in Bulleen in the city's east at about 5.40am on Monday. The mother-of-three died at the scene while her friend, 63, in the passenger seat was pulled from the wreckage by passing motorists and rushed to the Royal Melbourne Hospital with life-threatening injuries, where she remains in a critical condition. The truck driver, 28, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Ms Nguyen and her husband owned a bakery in Heidelberg West for almost 30 years, which remained shut on Monday. 'She was a sweet lady, down to earth and always happy to help everyone,' her heartbroken daughter Katie Ly told Nine News. 'I can't say anything bad about her. 'She brought the energy in this place, right now we don't have that anymore.' Bakery owner Yen Nguyen was on her way to work when tragedy struck The intersection of Manningham and Bulleen roads was closed for most of Monday morning following the horror crash Passing motorists who rushed to help Ms Nguyen and her friend were left distressed by the incident. The intersection of Manningham and Bulleen roads was closed in all directions for most of the morning, creating a nightmare commute to work. Early indications suggest the truck driver may have allegedly run a red light, according to police. The exact circumstances surrounding the collision are yet to be determined. 'It's created, as you'd imagine, a devastating collision,' Detective Sergeant Stephen Hill told reporters. Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives launched an investigation into the horror crash He added that it was too early to tell whether speed contributed to the crash but will examine all possible factors. Police are yet to interview the truck driver. No charges have been laid at this stage. Ms Nguyen's death takes Victoria's road toll to 167 lives lost this year, three less than the same time last year. Police urge anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV, dashcam footage or any other information to contact Crime Stoppers. A tide of AI-fueled political disinformation has prompted alarm over its potential to manipulate voters in the US presidential race. Deepfake videos parodying Kamala Harris and Joe Biden as well as a doctored image of Donald Trump being arrested could be used to steer voters toward or away from candidates - or even avoid the polls altogether, researchers warn. A recent wave of disinformation has renewed calls for tech giants - many of which have retreated from moderating social media content - to strengthen guardrails around generative artificial intelligence ahead of the vote. Last week, Elon Musk faced intense criticism for sharing a deepfake video featuring Vice President Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee, with his 192 million followers on X, formerly Twitter. In it, a voiceover mimicking Harris calls President Joe Biden senile; the voice then declares that she does not 'know the first thing about running the country.' Last week, Elon Musk faced intense criticism for sharing a deepfake video featuring Vice President Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee, with his 192 million followers on X, formerly Twitter Last month, a manipulated video ricocheting across X appeared to show Biden cursing his critics - including using anti-LGBTQ slurs - after he announced he would not seek reelection and endorsed Harris for the Democratic nomination The video carried no indication that it was parody - save for a laughing emoji. Only later did Musk clarify that the video was meant as satire. Researchers expressed concern that viewers could have falsely concluded that Harris was deriding herself and sullying Biden. WHAT ARE DEEPFAKES? The technology behind deepfakes was developed in 2014 by Ian Goodfellow, who was the the director of machine learning at Apple's Special Projects Group and a leader in the field. The word stems from the collaboration of the terms 'deep learning' and 'fake,' and is a form of artificial intelligence. The system studies a target person in pictures and videos, allowing it to capture multiple angles and mimic their behavior and speech patterns. The technology gained attention during the election season, as many feared developers would use it to undermine political candidates' reputations. Advertisement AFP's fact-checkers have debunked other AI fakery that raised alarm. Last month, a manipulated video ricocheting across X appeared to show Biden cursing his critics - including using anti-LGBTQ slurs - after he announced he would not seek reelection and endorsed Harris for the Democratic nomination. A reverse image search showed the footage came from one of Bidens speeches, carried live by the broadcaster PBS, in which he denounced political violence after the July 13 assassination attempt on Trump. PBS said the doctored video was a deepfake that used its logo to deceive viewers. Another deepfake of Biden, posted last year, appeared to show him pre-gaming in drag. In the deepfake, Biden's likeness was superimposed onto Dylan Mulvaney's Bud Lightvideo. Weeks earlier, an image shared across platforms appeared to show police forcibly arresting Trump after a New York jury found him guilty of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. But the photo was a deepfake, digital forensics experts told AFP. Other deepfakes of the former President were also shared on social media last year, appearing to show Trump being led away in handcuffs by police officers. Another Trump deepfake saw his voice and likeness superimposed onto AMC network's shady lawyer Saul Goodman of the series Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul 'These recent examples are highly representative of how deepfakes will be used in politics going forward,' Lucas Hansen, co-founder of the nonprofit CivAI, told AFP. 'While AI-powered disinformation is certainly a concern, the most likely applications will be manufactured images and videos intended to provoke anger and worsen partisan tension.' Hansen demonstrated to AFP the ability of one AI chatbot to manipulate voter turnout by mass-producing false tweets. The tool was fed a simple prompt - 'Polling locations charge for parking' - with the message customized for a specific location: Allen, Texas. A Deep Fake spoof of former president Trump superimposed his voice and likeness onto AMC network's shady lawyer Saul Goodman of the series Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul A deepfake of Biden appeared to show him pre-gaming in drag, posted by @drunkamerica on Instagram, received 223,107 likes in the past five days. Biden's likeness was superimposed onto Dylan Mulvaney's Bud Light video Within seconds, a tweet was churned out misinforming viewers that Allen authorities had 'quietly introduced a $25 parking fee at most polling places.' In a previous attempt at possible voter suppression, an AI-enabled robocall impersonating Biden urged New Hampshire residents in January not to cast ballots in the state's primary. Tests on another leading AI tool, Midjourney, allowed the creation of images seeming to show Biden being arrested and of Trump appearing next to a body double, the nonprofit Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) said in June. Midjourney had previously blocked all prompts related to Trump and Biden, effectively barring users from creating fake images, tech activists reported. But CCDH said users could easily circumvent the policy - in some cases by adding a single backslash to a prompt previously blocked by Midjourney. Observers warn that such fakery on a mass scale risks igniting public anger at the electoral process. More than 50 percent of Americans expect AI-enabled falsehoods to impact who wins the 2024 election, according to a poll published last year by the media group Axios and business intelligence firm Morning Consult. About one-third of Americans said they will be less trusting of the results because of AI, according to the poll. Several tech giants have said they are working on systems for labeling AI-generated content. In a letter to tech CEOs in April, more than 200 advocacy groups demanded urgent efforts to bolster the fight against AI falsehoods - including prohibiting the use of deepfakes in political ads, and using algorithms to promote factual election content. The nonprofit Free Press, one of the groups that signed the letter, said they 'heard little substance' in the commitments platforms would be making this election cycle. 'What we have now is a toxic online environment where lies are flooding our feeds and confusing voters,' Nora Benavidez, senior counsel at the watchdog, told AFP. 'This is a tipping point in our election,' she added. 'Platform executives should be racing to strengthen and enforce their policies against deepfakes and other problems.' The Home Secretary today warned 'armchair thugs' they could face consequences after far-right influencers fuelled the flames of hate with a social media misinformation campaign. Tommy Robinson and his ally 'Danny Tommo' have been among those calling for people to take to the streets in inflammatory posts on X, Telegram, Facebook and TikTok. Pressed on whether the Government will take action against the likes of Robinson, who is currently on holiday in Ayia Napa, Yvette Cooper said: 'If it's a crime offline, it's a crime online. 'You can't just have armchair thuggery or people being able to incite and organise violence and also not face consequences for this.' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, the former head of the Crown Prosecution Service, has also vowed action will be taken against online hatemongers - saying 'it is a crime' to 'whip up hate online'. Tommy Robinson and his ally 'Danny Tommo' have been among those calling for people to take to the streets in inflammatory posts on X, Telegram, Facebook and TikTok Pressed on whether the Government will take action against the likes of Robinson , who is currently on holiday in Ayia Napa, Yvette Cooper said: 'If it's a crime offline, it's a crime online' Prosecutors could use hate crime laws or legislation outlawing incitement to target people using social media to foment hate or unrest. In England and Wales, it is an offence to 'stir up hatred' on the grounds of race or religion, and this legislation has previously been used against those accused of racist tweets. Meanwhile, people using social media to urge people to riot could also fall foul of legislation preventing the incitement of crimes. Following the 2011 riots, two men were jailed after using Facebook to encourage violence. The pair pleaded guilty under sections 44 and 46 of the Serious Crime Act to intentionally encouraging another to assist the commission of an indictable offence. Experts have noted the disorganised nature of the rallies, with many originating from anonymous accounts on Telegram and TikTok that are then amplified by the likes of Robinson, 41, who has nearly a million followers on X. On Saturday at 3.50pm, he posted a video of a confrontation in Stoke and claimed two protesters had been stabbed 'by Muslims'. The post was viewed two million times on X. Two hours later, Staffordshire Police confirmed the information was false. Those injured were hit by something thrown by their own side. At 10.23pm that night, Robinson then posted a picture of an unknown man with the caption: 'Alleged Muslim stabbed at least three women in Stirling... They always target women. Will Kier [sic] Starmer talk about this.' Also fanning the flames has been the far-right 'influencer' Danny Tommo, real name Daniel Thomas, who is often referred to as Robinson's right-hand man Actor Laurence Fox - seen in London - has shared false claims Police Scotland said that a man had been arrested after a woman was stabbed in the city on Saturday. But the force said the suspect was white and local to the area. Robinson was due to appear in court over alleged contempt proceedings last Monday but fled the UK the day before and is now subject to a High Court arrest warrant which could be carried out in October. He has since been staying at a 400-a-night resort outside Ayia Napa where he has shared a string of posts including the message: 'You were all warned. We have freedom or we have Islam, you can't have both.' Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, posted more than 100 times on X yesterday, including a rant addressed to 'the media and politicians'. He wrote: 'It's not on me, it's on you. This mess is your doing, not mine. Your policy failures gave birth to these tensions, your failure to listen, to lie and label everyone far-right has caused this. Your cowardice to enforce the law equally has caused this.' Later he posted videos of fights between two groups of protesters, writing: 'Muslim mobs running through Sheffield city centre just attacking white people at random.' He later claimed: 'Their plan is to pin all this violence on me.' A man with a Swastika tattoo is seen attending a far-right protest in Sunderland this week Actor Laurence Fox has also shared a string of false claims. On Friday night, he posted a list of dozens of acts of violence he alleged had been committed by immigrants under the caption: 'Anyone else had enough?' Among them was the claim that a 'woman [was] beaten to death by two Somalis while walking her dog' understood to have been a reference to last month's murder of Anita Rose, 57, in Brantham, Suffolk. Three people have been arrested in connection with the murder, but Suffolk Police last night confirmed Fox's tweet was not correct. A grisly photo has emerged of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. with his hand in the mouth of the dead bear cub that he later left in New York's Central Park. The New Yorker shared the visual in a profile story on the independent presidential candidate on Monday - the latest twist coming out of an already bizarre presidential campaign. Kennedy had tried to preempt the magazine's coverage by releasing a video of him Sunday talking about the bear incident with comedian Roseanne Barr. When discussing it with The New Yorker he joked, 'Maybe that's where I got my brain worm,' the magazine revealed. To make the tale even weirder, the first reporter to write about the dead bear found in Central Park for The New York Times was none other than Kennedy's cousin, Tatiana Schlossberg. She told The Times for the newspaper's coverage Sunday that she had no idea a family member was at fault. A grisly photo was released by The New Yorker Monday that showed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. with his hand in the mouth of the dead bear cub he later left in New York's Central Park 'Like law enforcement, I had no idea who was responsible for this when I wrote the story,' Schlossberg said. The presidential candidate will not be charged for depositing the bear carcass in Central Park as the statute of limitations for such crimes is only a year. Kennedy said in the video that he had taken a group of people falconing in the Hudson Valley when he came upon the dead bear. 'A woman in the van in front of me hit a bear and killed it, a young bear,' he recalled. 'So I pulled over, and I picked up the bear and put him in the back of my van because I was going to skin the bear, and it was in very good condition, and I was going to put the meat in my refrigerator. 'You can do that in New York state. You can get a bear tag for roadkill bear,' he said. The 70-year-old presidential candidate said he then proceeded to go hawking with the dead bear in his car. He said they were catching a lot of game and stayed late, so instead of heading home to Westchester, NY he had to go straight to New York City for a dinner. But then the dinner also went late, and according to Kennedy, he needed to go to the airport instead of his home. Kennedy (right) released a video Sunday of him telling the story about the dead bear cub to comedian Roseanne Barr (left) Kennedy said he wasn't drinking but others in his party were when they made the decision to ditch the dead bear cub in Central Park. His cousin was the original New York Times reporter on the story 'The bear was in my car, and I didn't want to leave the bear in the car because that would have been bad,' Kennedy said. Kennedy said there was 'a little bit of the redneck in me' when he explained there had been a series of bicycle accidents in the city and multiple people had gotten killed or badly injured. Kennedy recalled it was in the press every day and that he also had an old bike in his car someone asked him to get rid of. 'I said let's go put the bear in Central Park, and we'll make it look like it got hit by a bike,' Kennedy said as he and Barr laughed. 'So everybody thought that's a great idea.' Kennedy said he had not been drinking when the decision was made but others had been. The candidate said in his video that the next day after leaving the dead bear in the park, it was on every television station and in every paper. 'I turned on the TV and it was like, mile of yellow tape, and there were 20 cop cars. There were helicopters flying over it,' Kennedy said. 'I was like "oh my god. What did I do?"' Kennedy said he was worried because his prints were all over the bike. But Kennedy said the story died after a while and 'it stayed dead for a decade.' He said the New Yorker somehow found out about it and were going to do a big article on him. 'It's going to be a bad article,' Kennedy said. Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff appeared on a fundraising livestream with his parents on Sunday, after it was revealed he had an affair with his children's nanny during his first marriage. Emhoff appeared with his parents Michael and Barbara on the Seniors for Harris fundraising livestream event to talk about his wife Kamala Harris' presidential campaign. The second gentleman surprised attendees on the livestream, blowing kisses to his parents and thanking them for the 'lifetime' of love and support from them. 'I would not be who I am today but for you both and your example and how you just love us unconditionally no matter what, and you've always got our back,' Emhoff said. 'And that extends to the three of us, your kids and all of our kids our spouses, in my case ex-spouse and all Kamala's family and it is a joy to behold.' Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff participates in a campaign event with his parents Michael and Barbara Emhoff recalled that he was in Los Angeles when the news about President Joe Biden ending his presidential campaign and endorsing Harris broke. He said he was with his parents and his ex-wife Kerstin when he was experiencing the whirlwind of activity that came after. 'I was with my parents and Cole and Greenley... we got to experience what the whole country was seeing at the same time and it was quite surreal, because I'm there and we're actually with Kerstin and actually I was making calls and watching and trying to catch up and stay connected to what was happening in DC,' he said. Doug's father Michael Emhoff praised Kamala Harris' campaign rhetoric during the call with their son and senior supporters. Doug Emhoff's parents Michael and Barbara participate in a campaign livestream event for Harris 'The one we like best was, "We're not going from the back,"' he said as his son chuckled. 'No, we're not!' his mother Barbara agreed. Emhoff, frequently described as 'the happiest person in Washington, DC,' has earned a lot of good-will among Democrats due to his earnest, if not sometimes cheesy, participation in the political circus. Since Kamala Harris was appointed by Democrats as the presidential nominee to replace Joe Biden, Emhoff has been more visible. So proud to be your husband pic.twitter.com/8fW7aVqTHB Douglas Emhoff (@SecondGentleman) July 27, 2024 Emhoff spoke about his family after the Daily Mail reported Saturday morning that he had an affair with his children's nanny and got her pregnant during his first marriage with Kerstin Emhoff. Emhoff, 59, and movie producer ex-wife Kerstin, 57, ended their 16-year marriage in 2009 when she discovered the affair, according to sources. US Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff arrive at the White House for a state dinner on April 10, 2024 Doug Emhoff's ex-wife Kerstin Emhoff and her daughter Ella The second gentleman responded to news of the affair in a public statement first released to CNN. 'During my first marriage, Kerstin and I went through some tough times on account of my actions,' Emhoff said in a statement to CNN regarding his first wife, Kerstin Emhoff. 'I took responsibility, and in the years since, we worked through things as a family and have come out stronger on the other side.' Emhoff met Harris in 2013 when she was the California Attorney General and the couple got married in 2014. They have been printed for 250 years and are prized by collectors - but a veteran bank teller reveals the reason you really don't want a $2 bill turning up in your change. The quirky bills - of which there are thought to be 1.5 billion in circulation across the US - is a 'pain in the butt' for both bank staff and consumers. 'When you use them to pay anywhere, they're just useless,' the teller told GO BankingRates. 'The novelty is cute at first, but it's not so cute when the line is growing behind you at Target.' The current design, featuring a portrait of Thomas Jefferson, dates from 1928 'Because $2 bills are so uncommon, a lot of places just don't accept them,' the teller said The first $2 bills rolled off the printing press in 1775 when the Continental Congress authorized their use 'for the defense of American independence'. But despite their longevity, many consumers and retailers simply do not recognize them. 'Because $2 bills are so uncommon, a lot of places just don't accept them,' the teller, Rachael P, told the site. 'Their systems aren't set up for it, and their employees might not know what to do with them. You could end up with bills that are hard to use. 'When people do get their hands on a $2 bill, they tend to hold onto it like it's a four-leaf clover,' she added. 'They think it's cool or lucky. That's great and all, but it means these bills aren't really circulating. They're just gathering dust in people's keepsake collections.' The bills' current design, featuring a portrait of Thomas Jefferson, dates from 1928, but banks are not well equipped to handle them, Rachael revealed. 'When someone does ask for them, we usually have to special order them, which is honestly a pain in the butt,' she explained. 'Our cash drawers are set up for the bills we use every day, you know, ones, fives, tens, twenties. We don't have a specific spot for $2 bills, so we have to just stick them wherever they fit. 'It messes up our system and makes it harder to balance everything at the end of the day. 'Do you know how many days my till has been off by two bucks? More than I'd like to share!' The nation's banks see more $2 bills than they would like because businesses are desperate to get them off their hands. 'If a business does end up with a bunch of $2 bills, they often bring them right back to the bank,' Rachael said. 'Then we're stuck with this surplus of bills that no one wants. It can be really hard to get them back into circulation. 'It might sound a little goofy, but when we're counting out cash, we're in a total zone. 'We're used to dealing with the standard bills. But when you throw $2 bills into the mix, it's like hitting a speed bump. It slows us down and disrupts our rhythm. There are around 1.5 billion $2 bills in circulation across the US 'The novelty is cute at first, but it's not so cute when the line is growing behind you at Target' 'A lot of the newer tellers have never even seen a $2 bill. 'When one shows up, they might think it's fake or a misprint. I've had to hop on someone else's line to help clear it up more than once. It just slows everything down.' And tellers will not thank you if you ask them to fish one out of the vault. 'Seriously, you don't want to be that person,' Rachael said. 'Unless you're a serious collector, it's best to just leave these quirky bills at the bank. 'Trust me, your neighborhood teller will thank you.' An Iowa woman has been accused of trying to poison her husband by spiking his drink with eye drops. Daisy Anne Zantjer, 39, was arrested last Tuesday and charged with two counts of administering harmful substances and two counts of domestic abuse, injury or mental illness, CBS-affiliate KCCI 8News reported. Zantjer reportedly tainted her husband's drink at least twice in July 2023 with tetrahydrozoline a decongestant used in eye drops that helps to relieve itching and redness in the eyes, but toxic, if ingested. Her husband, who was named in documents as Allan Zantjer, survived but went to the hospital when he was having a difficult time breathing. He had contacted the Pleasantville Police Department to admit suspicions that his wife was poisoning him. Zantjer remains behind bars on a $12,000 cash-surety bond. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, WHO 13 News reported. Daisy Anne Zantjer, 39, was arrested last Tuesday and charged with two counts of administering harmful substances and two counts of domestic abuse, injury or mental illness Zantjer poses with her husband in November 2023. She had been accused to spiking her husband's drink with tetrahydrozoline dangerous chemical used in eye drops Tetrahydrozoline is used in common brands like Visine and Visine AC works by 'temporarily narrowing the blood vessels in the eye, WebMD stated. WebMD's website states medication containing this ingredient should not be used for longer than three to four days at a time. The National Capital Poison Center explains the dangers of swallowing eye drops. When taken in high amounts it can cause low blood pressure, sleepiness and a dangerously slow heart rate. Additionally, heart rhythm abnormalities and breathing problems may occur, as well. Doctors warn people to keep eye drops out of reach from small children and to call poison control immediately if they have been ingested. Pleasantville Police Chief Joe Mrstik told CBS local KCCI 8News it's 'a really a sad case. This is a husband and wife and children.' In a bizarre twist, Zantjer had posted several videos warning viewers about toxic chemicals in their products, and shared ways to live chemical free. In one clip she is even seen pointing out the dangerous chemicals in a bottle of shampoo, according to her social media. In a post from October 2018, she wrote: 'I am a Christian woman who wants to do right by her family and part of that is keeping them free from harmful chemicals and other toxins that could destroy their body.' When DailyMail.com contacted Pleasantville Police Chief Mrstik on Monday, they were told he was not in the office, and was also retired. Another person from the police department said the were 'not able to release any information on the case.' However, police confirmed to Law & Crime that the chemical-free Zantjer appears to be the same woman behind bars for allegedly poisoning her husband. Charging documents filed in Marion County District Court late last month confirm that Daisy's husband's name is Allan Zantjer. 'Daisy Zantjer did admit during an interview to administering a harmful substance, on two separate occasions, called tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride to her husband Allan Zantjer, in July of 2023,' as per the documents. 'On or about the above date and time, the Defendant, Daisy Zantjer did administer a harmful substance known as Tetrahydrozoline to her husband, Allan Zantjer.' Other details cite alleged domestic abuse: 'On or about the above stated date and time, the Defendant committed domestic assault against Allan Zantjer, causing injury to him by giving him Tetrahydrozoline in his drink without his knowledge.' The charging documents were filed in Marion County on July 30 The defendant did commit a domestic assault against Allan Zantjer, causing bodily injury, the charging document claims The mother-of-two smiles for the camera while enjoying a meal, as per her social media account She is seen kissing her husband Allan on their 9th wedding anniversary On Zantjer's Facebook, she would often post photos of her from church and other milestones in her family. One of the photos from 2019 is the couple celebrating their anniversary. 'Happy anniversary to this awesome man of mine,' she wrote. 'Nine crazy years and counting. He caught a candid moment of my cracking lobster claws and mussels. 'I normally don't wear makeup but in this case, I made an exception. What's even better is that we rode on my hubby's motorcycle there and back. I love you, Allan!' Saturday, August 3 marked their 14th year wedding anniversary. In 2020, Zantjer posted a photo of the couple smiling from 2008. 'Oh the memories! Look at this fine young handsome man! I love this man to pieces! He has been there for me through thick and thin and I'm so thankful for that! She added: 'Ten amazing years! Looking forward to more years down the road.' A trail of ransacked and smashed-up shop fronts have been left in the wake of the far-right riots which caused carnage across Britain's streets last week. Specsavers, Lush and Sainsburys were just some of the retailers targeted by looters who took advantage of the unrest in places such as Hull, Middlesbrough, Rotherham and Manchester. It came after tensions fuelled by misinformation boiled over on Britain's streets following the mass stabbing in Southport which left three girls dead. Brazen thieves could be seen smashing windows, setting a Shoezone store alight and ripping wine, shoes, and phones from shop shelves. High street retailer Lush said its staff were 'devastated' after the company's branch in Hull was targeted over the weekend. Video footage shows looters filling their baskets and carrier bags full of goods before rushing out of the store. Photographs highlight the aftermath of the ransacking, as glass and colourful debris scattered the shop floor on Jameson Street. Meanwhile in Middlesbrough, at Iceland, looters could be seen ducking under store shutters to grab Friji milkshakes. The Lush store in Hull was completely ransacked during the riots which took place last week. Bath bombs, bottles and cosmetics can be seen littered across the shop floor Two girls pictured with a basket full of Lush cosmetics and crocs DEVELOPING STORY : White British people start looting stores in England. We should teach China Western values they say...... pic.twitter.com/Q6NoPDp1ll JERRY GOODE (@MrJerryGoode) August 4, 2024 A group of what appears to be young boys kicking their way through glass windows at an Iceland store in Middlesbrough to grab Friji milkshakes A Greggs store in Hull was looted after men through debris and a chair at the front window Video footage shared widely on social media shows a group of masked boys on bikes standing around as they kick through the glass windows of the shop front. Onlookers can be heard egging them on and shouting: 'Get me something', 'get me some pink gin'. The person recording can be heard laughing and shouting: 'He's got Frijis! He's got a round of Frijis'. In Liverpool, a shameless yob 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. 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. Pictured outside the store as its fire alarm wailed, thugs wearing face coverings and black hoods could be seen trading white Crocs. Around them, sliders were strewn across the street. 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. A masked man appears to leave a Sainsburys store in Manchester with bottles of alcohol, with the security tags still on, as riots take place Video footage captured the scene as thugs looted alcohol from the Sainsburys in Manchester during far-right riots in the city A masked man appears to leave the store with bottles of alcohol, with the security tags still on Shelves have been ransacked in a Sainsburys store in Manchester during the far-right protests A phone shop and a kiosk at the Liverpool One shopping complex were damaged, broken into and looted Some were seen leaving with their arms filled with bottles of expensive wine, still fitted with security tags. After leaving the shop, the men were chased by police wearing riot gear, who managed to kettle them outside Manchester Art Gallery. Behind them, photos showed the wreckage of the store - with thugs ripping items from the shelves irregardless of whether they were going to steal them and leaving them in a heap on the floor. In Belfast, stores were shamelessly set on fire and destroyed - with photos from outside one cafe showing yobs smashing their benches on the ground. A spokesperson for Lush said: 'We are devastated at what has happened to our beautiful shop in Hull and how our fellow retailers have also been treated. 'We are proud to be part of a multi-racial Britain and to be part of the wonderful, vibrant and diverse community of Hull. 'Our wonderful shop manager and team have worked tirelessly to get the shop ready to start trading again. In Liverpool, vile thugs 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 A Shoezone store was set alight in Hull. Debris can be seen covering the street outside A Manchester Evening News reporter posted a photo of the carnage within a Sainsbury's 'I want to thank those that came to help with the clean-up, from contractors repairing our windows and doors, the cleaning team that worked through the night, to the community of Hull who have shared their well-wishes to our team. 'As soon as we're ready, we're looking forward to opening our doors so that we can once again be a welcoming and safe space for everyone.' Leader of Hull City Council, Mike Ross said: 'The looting and rioting that took place in our city will not be tolerated and the Council is working with the police who will bring those to justice. 'Our thanks goes to the selfless volunteers who cleaned the streets in the wake of Saturday's violence. 'They are what Hull is all about. They make me proud of our great city. 'The disorder and looting of the weekend doesn't represent us Hull is a friendly and welcoming city. 'Now, we ask our residents to help bring calm and kindness to the city, to support our traders affected in the city centre and show our local businesses all the love and support they can. 'Hull is open, Hull is tolerant, and Hull is united. 'We will move on from Saturday's events and my thanks go to all those who helped us through it.' More than a dozen people have been charged over the vile rioting sweeping the nation, as the CPS has vowed to take 'immediate' action against lawbreakers. The Crown Prosecution Service said in a statement yesterday evening it had deployed extra lawyers 'to ensure law and order is maintained, and justice is served' following an order to make immediate charging decisions where evidence is available. Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions, said: 'The acts of violence seen across the country this weekend have involved criminality of the most serious kind. 'I want there to be no doubt about our determination to ensure that those involved will face severe consequences. 'I am determined that we will act swiftly and robustly, giving the courts maximum ability to pass sentences that reflect what has occurred.' Riot police officers push back anti-migration protesters outside the Holiday Inn Express Hotel in Rotherham Police surround a hotel housing migrants and asylum seekers in Rotherham as serious violence broke out A youngster throws a bottle towards gardai officers during a stand off with protesters after a number of fires have been started at the former site of the Crown Paints factory in Coolock, north Dublin UK courts are now 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. Keir Starmer 'guarantee[d]' that people fuelling the chaos in person or online 'will regret taking part in this disorder' in an evening address. '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,' he said. '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. A car burns after being overturned during an anti-immigration protest in Middlesbrough Police officers stand near the broken windows of the hotel during an anti-immigration protest Property is vandalised as far-right activists in Middlesbrough '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.' The statement came as rioters set fire to a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham. Horrifying scenes showed groups throwing bricks of concrete in the direction of the hotel and fires set outside, near doors. 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. South Yorkshire Police assistant chief constable Lindsey Butterfield said 'those who simply stood on and watched' the rioting in Rotherham were 'absolutely complicit in this'. Rioters 'should expect us to be at their doors very soon', she added. A dogsitter who stabbed an 'old man' to death for letting her pet Pomeranian out has today been found guilty of murder. Winter Swan-Miller, 37, fatally stabbed 62-year-old Stuart Crocker 26 times after he let her therapy dog, Oblivion, escape - before her pet was then stolen. She said she had 'no choice' but to kill Mr Crocker and boasted of how she'd been a 'bad girl' on TikTok to achieve 'fame and notoriety', jurors were told. Mr Crocker's body was found in his flat 'surrounded by notes' of confessions which were written by Swan-Miller and left as a 'trail' for the 'pigs' to follow, the court heard. Swan-Miller was today found guilty of murder after an 11 week trial at Winchester Crown Court, Hants. She will be sentenced tomorrow. Winter Swan-Miller, 37, (pictured) was today found guilty of murder after an 11 week trial at Winchester Crown Court, Hants. She will be sentenced tomorrow She fatally stabbed 62-year-old Stuart Crocker (pictured) 26 times after he let her therapy dog, Oblivion, escape - before her pet was then stolen Opening the trial in May, Nicola Shannon KC said Mr Crocker was found dead by paramedics at his home address in Andover, Hants, on June 28 last year. 'Police believe that Stuart Crocker was killed in the early hours of the morning on June 23,' the prosecutor said. 'They didn't find out about it, however, until five days later because it was at 11.58am on the 28th of June that emergency services received a phone call from a neighbour of Mr Crocker's.' When officers arrived, they noted 'it was immediately obvious that he sustained a large number of stab wounds'. They found Mr Crocker lying under a white blanket with the TV playing and a switched on fan placed behind his head which was used to keep his body cool. He was also 'surrounded by notes' which had been written by Swan-Miller and 'were made to be discovered'. Ms Shannon KC said they were part of 'a trail she left for pigs, in her words, to follow'. 'Take my f*****g dog you whore. This is why I've done this haha,' one note read, the court was told. 'How does his death feel haha. You thought I would let you get away with taking me for a f*****g mug. Taking my dog, are you real.' The jurors were also shown a number of TikToks, organised into parts, which were posted on June 23. In one video, titled 'Part Two', Swan-Miller can be heard saying: 'Taking my dog from me, the only thing in the entire world that I've got. The court heard how Swan-Miller told her TikTok followers: 'I did do what I did and I did it because I had no choice. They took away the only thing in my life that I have got, and that's my dog Oblivion'. Pictured is her Pomeranian called Oblivion Mr Crocker was found dead by paramedics at his home address in Andover, Wilts, on June 28 last year. Police are pictured at the scene last year 'I did do what I did and I did it because I had no choice. They took away the only thing in my life that I have got, and that's my dog Oblivion.' She added: 'You took away my dog, you all did this.' And in another, she said: 'I swore if anyone hurt my dog I would never let it go. I did it as a f*****g statement my morals let me do it.' Swan-Miler told her TikTok followers: 'I'm going to be taking a break from TikTok for a bit I think because I've been a bad girl. 'If you want to write to me, I'll happily write back.' She continued: 'There's more to the story than just one side. I just hope that it all goes well really. At the moment, I feel sick. But I don't feel like I've done a bad thing at all.' The court was also shown a letter that Swan-Miller sent to a friend in which she said 'I killed Stewart'. It read: 'He f*****g let my dog out and Kelly Smith stole him so I stabbed him.' Ms Shannon KC said after stabbing Mr Crocker 26 times, the dog owner walked into Andover town centre and went to McDonald's for a sausage and egg McMuffin meal. 'Throughout the morning, it would seem she was prepared for potential arrest,' the prosecutor told the court. 'Firstly she was making careful preparations and sorted out her domestic affairs, and secondly she was hoping for some degree of fame and notoriety for what she had done.' Swan-Miller (pictured) said she had 'no choice' but to kill Mr Crocker and boasted of how she'd been a 'bad girl' on TikTok to achieve 'fame and notoriety', jurors were told Witnesses who spoke to Swan-Miller that morning described her as 'cheerful' and 'laid back' - and she even told one woman that she could take her dog, Oblivion, as she was going to prison, the court heard. Swan-Miller then left her phone in a local pub and 'went on the run' to Birmingham. It was heard she asked a friend if she could stay with him to which he said she could not, but suggested she spoke to Edward Jones, 44. After police found Mr Crocker's body, the pair were eventually arrested on Friday 30 June and Swan-Miller has remained in custody since. Swan-Miller - who denied the offences - has now been found guilty of murder and two counts of fraud. The jury found Jones, who denied both charges against him, not guilty of assisting an offender and fraud - in relation to the use of the credit card. An influencer remains on the run after he allegedly ran over and killed a motorcyclist in Brazil. Renan da Silva, 24, is said to have been behind the wheel of his Porsche Boxster when he plowed head-on into local farmer Adilson de Lima, 47, in Teresopolis, a city in southeastern state of Rio de Janeiro last Thursday. A surveillance camera mounted next to a property showed the luxury vehicle traveling on road BR-116 when it crashed with the motorcycle. Da Silva didn't stop to check on de Lima, who was pronounced dead on the scene. Brazilian influencer Renan da Silva is wanted by the Rio de Janeiro Civil Police, who alleges he was driving his Porsche Boxster when he ran over a motorcyclist Thursday night. Da Silva's attorney's claim he was not driving the luxury car, but police found a video that show him adding air to one of the tires at a gas station moments before the accident The Porsche Boxster that is owned by Brazilian influencer Renan da Silva was left with a shattered windshield and dents on the hood after the accident Thursday with motorcyclist Adilson de Lima, a 47-year-old farmer who was pronounced dead on the scene His lawyers, Eduardo Velith and Felipe de Oliveira, said in a statement that he was not driving the Porsche at the time of the accident while suggesting that authorities wanted to blame him due to is fame. 'Renan had no involvement in the incident and was not the driver of the vehicle,' the attorney's said. 'Although we deeply regret the loss of life and express our sincere condolences to the victim's family, it is unfair that Renan, due to his public notoriety, should be subject to an unfounded accusation. 'We also request that the police authorities deepen their investigations.' However, the Rio de Janeiro Civil Police chief Marcio Duburgas said they are certain that da Silva was driving the Porsche. A surveillance camera reportedly showed da Silva adding air to the car tires at a gas station prior to the accident. Renan da Silva's Porsche was spotted at a local gas station, where the influencer filled one of the tires with air moments before he allegedly crashed into a motorcyclist, who was pronounced dead on the scene Duburgas said that another person, identified as Pablo Pinto, claimed 'responsibility as if he were the driver.' 'We collected statements that indicate that the influencer was with the vehicle,' he said. 'Now, we collected another statement, and we are trying to find other information to conclude the investigation.' Da Silva is known for sharing videos of his performing stunts on motorcycles on his Instagram. His last post on the social media network was on Thursday night and featured a picture of himself riding a motorcycle and touching the surface with one hand while he kept his other hand on the clutch. Renan da Silva is known for posting motorcycle stunt videos on his Instagram account Rena da Silva's last social media post was Thursday - hours before the deadly accident - featured him performing one of the many motorcycle stunts that he has become famous for His wife, Julia Lama, addressed the incident with a pair of Instagram Story posts Sunday. On one post, she made reference to the amount of people who were looking at posts on her account. 'We appreciate the affection we are receiving from our followers and we are seeing all strength you have give us,' the influencer's caption read in a second post. 'We are not allowed to talk yet, but soon you will have answers!' Da Silva has been in involve with a series of traffic infractions in the past, including in 2022 when authorities discovered he was operating a motorcycle without a license after they found a video of him performing dangerous stunts on a highway in Teresopolis. Several teachers at a South Carolina elementary school have been fired for dressing up as Border Patrol agents to represent Mexico as part of an 'Olympic parade' event at the school. Royall Elementary School in Florence faced backlash for staffers dressing up in the 'offensive' garb as part of celebrations for the first week of school. Images from the professional development event show two staff members sporting T-shirts that read 'U.S. Border Patrol' and posing in front of a fake brick wall. A letter to parents from schools Superintendent Dr. Richard O'Malley said multiple teachers had been fired, WMBF reported. 'Due to the serious nature of this incident, several employees are no longer employed by the district or have been placed on leave by the district's administration,' O'Malley wrote. Staffers at Royall Elementary School in Florence dressed up as Border Patrol agents to represent Mexico as part of an 'Olympic parade' event prior to the first day of school 'As superintendent, I will not tolerate anything of this nature in our school district.' O'Malley said the school will have two 'acting administrators' until further notice. During the event - which was held prior to the first day of school - other staffers were seen wearing sombreros and posing in front of a sign that read 'Royall Cantina,' which is the Spanish word for a bar. A Mexican American parent who saw the display was among the first to sound the alarm over the 'disheartening' presentation. Her post online alerted other parents who were left in disbelief after spotting the images on the school's official Facebook page. 'As a Mexican American, as an Hispanic woman, as a mother of biracial Hispanic children in the Florence 1 School district. I'm highly offended, highly offended,' mom Annette Fling told ABC4 News. 'These are educators with degrees that should have known better. Out of all the things they could have done to the culture, community, country of Mexico, they chose to use the US Border Patrol. 'And Royal Cantina, which is a Spanish word for bar. Inappropriate, racial. Just all around flat out a disgrace.' Other staffers were seen wearing sombreros and posing in front of a sign that read 'Royall Cantina,' which is the Spanish word for a bar Royall has around 40 Hispanic and Latino students out of 462, according to US News demographic data Royall has around 40 Hispanic and Latino students out of 462, according to US News demographic data. The school is composed entirely of economically disadvantaged and is ranked 124th out of around 600 South Carolina elementary schools. 'It is with regret that we acknowledge that a picture that was posted on our Facebook page yesterday showed an insensitive disregard for the current challenges our Hispanic population faces,' the school said in a statement. '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.' Ireland is set to ban protesters from wearing balaclavas after rioters clashed with police at anti-immigration demonstrations. The new ban will prohibit wearing masks at protests when the intent of the wearing the face covering is to 'intimidate' or prevent police from identifying an individual committing a crime, a spokesman for the Justice Minister Helen McEntee told the Irish Independent. Under the new legislation face coverings can be worn for medical reasons or during cold weather, the newspaper reported. It comes after balaclava-wearing protesters threw projectiles at Irish police last month during demonstrations at a proposed asylum site in Coolock, Dublin. Rioters also travelled from Coolock to Belfast, Northern Ireland on Saturday to participate in a violent anti-migrant protest that saw what Taoiseach Simon Harris has described as demonstrators 'attacking police and spouting racism'. Ireland is set to ban protesters from wearing balaclavas after rioters clashed with police at anti-immigration demonstrations. Pictured is rioter in Coolock, north Dublin last month The new ban will prohibit wearing masks at protests when the intent of the wearing the face covering is to 'intimidate' or prevent police from identifying an individual committing a crime , a spokesman for the Justice Minister Helen McEntee said The proposed ban is seemingly in response to the havoc that masked demonstrators have wrecked on Ireland in recent months. Ms McEntee is 'consulting' with the Attorney General and the Garda Commissioner to determine 'how such a law would work' in Ireland, a spokesperson said. Similar bans have gone into effect in the US, including in Philadelphia where lawmakers last year ban the wearing of ski masks or balaclavas in public spaces. Drew Harris, the Garda commissioner, in an internal note also recently claimed that wearing balaclavas had 'potentially sinister overtures in Ireland'. It comes as violent demonstrators have been targetting Irish police, local businesses and even the Taoiseach's private home. Rioters looted local businesses and torched trams in Dublin city centre last November after children were attacked outside a creche. Protesters in June gathered outside the Taoiseach's family home to fight against his government's immigration policies. Masked rioters in July also attacked Irish police at a disused factory in north Dublin following a protest at the former Crown Paints factory, which has been earmarked to house asylum seekers. A crowd of more than 1,000 people attended the protest. Pictured is a masked demonstrator in Coolock, north Dublin last month during a protest in which a number of fires were lit at the site of the former Crown Paints factory Taoiseach Mr Harris has also expressed his disgust at 'those flying the Irish tricolour whilst attacking police and spouting racism' over the weekend. Ireland's premier spoke with Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill on Sunday after violent scenes followed an anti-immigration protest at the front of Belfast City Hall on Saturday. Protesters waving both the union flag and the Irish tricolour took part in the demonstration. There were also protesters in attendance from Coolock. A statement from Mr Harris's office yesterday said he had agreed to stay in contact with Ms O'Neill. 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.' Protesters waving both the union flag and the Irish tricolour took part in an anti-immigration protest at the front of Belfast City Hall IN Northern Ireland on Saturday There have been a series of anti-immigrant protests and incidents of related violence in the Republic of Ireland in recent months. Ms O'Neill 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.' Cressida Bonas has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her sister Pandora Cooper-Key following her death at the age of 51 from cancer. Pandora was first diagnosed with the disease 24 years ago and spent the past two decades battling different cancers. Her family announced on Sunday that Pandora had passed away on July 22 following the discovery of an inoperable brain tumour. Today Pandora's half-sister Ms Bonas posted a heartwarming tribute to her saying 'you were right here beside me all along'. The actress and model wrote on Instagram: 'I'll look for you in my dreams where you'll say "Hi Smally", and tell me where you've been. 'Then one day I'll remember you said in one of your final days, "I don't know what all the fuss is about, I ain't going nowhere..." 'And I'll realise, I never had to look for you at all. You were right beside me all along, because my darling sister my heart is forever tied to yours.' Cressida Bonas has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her sister Pandora Cooper-Key following her death at the age of 51 from cancer Pandora was first diagnosed with the disease 24 years ago and spent the past two decades battling different cancers Pandora was first diagnosed with the disease 24 years ago and spent the past two decades battling different cancers Pandora, who was the daughter of former It girl Lady Mary-Gaye Curzon and aristocrat Esmond Cooper-Key, was first diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 26 in 2000. And in March, she exclusively revealed to Femail that her family had already planned her funeral 'thousands of times'. At the end of last year, Pandora, from west London, was told that she had a tumour on the left side of her skull that doctors could not operate on. Following the announcement of her death, Sarcoma UK, a charity she supported, said on a fundraising page: 'She was a beautiful spirit and an inspiration to so many.' Kerry Reeves-Kneip, Director of Communications at Sarcoma UK, added: 'Her openness about her journey helped raise crucial awareness about sarcoma and the challenges faced by patients. Pandora's legacy extends far beyond her fundraising efforts; she touched countless lives with her warmth and resilience. 'On behalf of everyone at Sarcoma UK, I extend our deepest condolences to Pandora's family, including her mother, Lady Mary, her sister, Cressida Bonas, her two sons, and all who loved her. We are immensely grateful for the difference Pandora made to our organisation and to others affected by sarcoma. We at Sarcoma UK will honour her by continuing our mission with renewed determination. 'Pandora's kindness, courage, and indomitable spirit will forever remain in our hearts.' Pandora worked as a handbag designer for Vivienne Westwood but left the job to have her first child. Pandora worked as a handbag designer for Vivienne Westwood but left the job to have her first child Today Pandora's half-sister Ms Bonas posted a heartwarming tribute to her saying 'you were right here beside me all along' Pandora was told at one point she had ten months to live but doctors later said they had misinterpreted the scans and she was in the clear But only five weeks after giving birth she was told she had a sarcoma in her left eye and sinus area. Sarcomas are malignant tumours which are so rare that a GP can expect to see only one or two in an entire career. Pandora was told at one point she had ten months to live but doctors later said they had misinterpreted the scans and she was in the clear. But she was then told she had another tumour in her cheek, which was successfully removed, and also one at the back of her nose. In 2016, she went through a stage of having several seizures, which would sometimes lead to her becoming unconscious for a week. Nevertheless, in 2022 Pandora started a ceramics business, Curzon Blue, after she fell in love with glassware at Portobello Market. The name has a heartfelt meaning behind it, along with a touching nod to her mother. 'It's called Curzon Blue because my mother's maiden name is Curzon and her fourth husband made a cocktail called Curzon blue. 'It's really delicious and it will knock you off your perch in a heartbeat. It just felt like a really nice thing to do to incorporate my two amazing backgrounds.' Pandora Cooper-Key (seen, left, with half-sister Cressida Bonas) has tragically died age 51 after two decades suffering with different cancers In 2000, aged 26, Pandora was diagnosed with Paget's disease, a rare cancer of the milk duct and went on to also suffer from Sarcoma and other cancers Pandora (pictured far left) said her family has been so supportive throughout health struggles. Above L-R: Jacobi Anstruther, Georgiana Anstruther, Isabella Branson, Cressida Bonas Throughout her battle with various tumours, and despite feeling weak, Pandora continued working on her business and shared her love of glassware both on her website and her Instagram. Until the end of her life, she would still travel to the markets in search of glass for her business, saying it brought a sense of relief to her health battle. However, Pandora revealed that this year had been her hardest when speaking five months ago. 'In the last few months, I probably have been the closest to feeling depressed than I've ever been and I'm not a depressive person,' she said. 'That's been quite scary. There have been days where I've been like I can't bear the pain. But then there's something in me that bounces back.' Pandora is survived by her two sons, who she had with TV producer Matthew Mervyn-Jones before they separated. READ MORE: Why MDMA psychedelic therapy must be approved for veterans Over 80 Republicans and Democrats are urging Joe Biden to allow the use of psychedelic drugs for struggling military veterans. MDMA, also known as ecstasy, is a psychedelic that has been found in some studies to help with the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Due to its high abuse potential, the Schedule I drug is currently illegal in the U.S. to take recreationally or for medical purposes. But an overwhelming number of lawmakers want the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to green light MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) for veterans with PTSD. Millions of Americans suffer from PTSD and more combat veterans have died to suicide than to war in recent years, Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Mich., a retired three-star general, points out in a letter to Biden asking for a path for treatment for soldiers. 'The evidence is clear: MDMA-AT is a safe and effective form of therapy for our veterans who suffer from invisible wounds of service,' Bergman said in an exclusive statement to DailyMail.com. A group of 80 congressional lawmakers led by Michigan Republican Rep. Jack Bergman sent a letter directly President Joe Biden demanding he take action to allow MDMA-assisted therapy to move forward at the FDA in a bid to help veterans with PTSD 'I led my colleagues in this letter to the President because its time for our country to put politics in the backseat and place our Veterans lives first.' 'To truly attack the Veteran suicide crisis at its root, we need to be making such groundbreaking therapies widely and readily available to those who served our Nation,' his statement continued. Bergman directly asks to the president to reconsider the studies on MDMA in his letter that was signed by 60 members of the House. 'Thousands of Veterans suffering from PTSD continue to take their lives each year,' Bergman wrote to Biden. 'Current treatments clearly are not working well enough, and our Veterans can no longer wait.' 'If the data and evidence show that MDMA-AT is safe and effective at relieving the suffering that many Veterans face, then we owe it to them and the millions of others who are living with PTSD to make this treatment option available to them.' A Senate letter to FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf signed by 19 senators noted how '6,000 veterans die by suicide each year, with over 150,000 suicides since 9/11.' According to the Department of Veterans' Affairs, five percent of Americans experienced PTSD in 2020, roughly 13 million citizens in total. Rep. Morgan Luttrell, R-Texas, during a combat deployment somewhere in the Middle East. After suffering a spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury (TBI) he turned to psychedelic medicines to recover. He has credited some of those treatments with saving his life MDMA is known commonly as the party drug 'Molly.' It recently has been studied by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for potential benefits in treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) An FDA advisory panel of 11 decided 10-1 against the recommendation of MDMA for PTSD in June. Their final decision is expected this month The bipartisan letter comes two months after the an FDA panel initially shot down MDMA-AT after a preliminary review at the beginning of June. The agency found that there were inconsistencies in data across MDMA for PTSD studies, leading to further questions about its efficacy. They also found that MDMA poses drug risks such as abuse, injury and potential heart problems. Notably, the FDA panel said the studies were not diverse enough. Many of the studies they reviewed involved white males and only five black males were given MDMA in the tests, the Associated Press reported. The FDA's decision in June did not stop the drug from becoming an approved therapy, however, as that decision is expected in August. A cosigner of the Bergman letter, Rep. Morgan Luttrell, R-Texas, has credited psychedelic drugs he was able to take in Mexico with saving his life and marriage after experiencing the true atrocity of war through multiple brutal combat deployments. Luttrell served as a Navy SEAL for 14 years before medically retiring Luttrell had to go to Mexico to get psychotherapies after his military tenure He called the FDA panel's choice 'a poor decision and a step in the wrong direction,' at the time 'I've traveled the country studying and researching these emerging therapies, and I have personally experienced the groundbreaking effects they can have,' the former Navy SEAL told DailyMail.com . 'I will never stop advocating for innovative solutions for our veterans and service members,' Luttrell said. After serving as a SEAL for 14 years, he medically retired in 2014 to seek treatment for mental health issues that came as a result of his service. He argues that for veterans who suffer from war-induced mental issues, PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs), sometimes there are no other options besides psychedelics. After himself suffering a TBI and spinal cord injury in a 2009 helicopter crash, he has been working to make available the treatments which aided him to other veterans. 'The effects of emerging therapies for our veterans have been groundbreaking, and I'm proud to be a leader on pushing forward this innovative tool into the proverbial toolbox, especially while moving away from opioids,' Luttrell told DailyMail.com previously. A New York coffee shop has left customers boiling with rage after imposing an eye-watering charge on those who pull out their laptops. Bedford Studio in the Manhattan's West Village is demanding $10 a day - or $300 a year - for anyone wishing to catch up on some work while sipping its cortados or Marrakesh Mints. The cafe has been accused of ripping off its customers in a pale imitation of a posh members-only club. TikToker @sidnyenikole blew the whistle on the charging policy in a post that has attracted 22,000 likes and hundreds of outraged comments from New Yorkers scalded by the city's soaring cost of living. 'NYC as a whole is a scam,' one wrote. 'I don't know how people still love it.' 'I did not know the local coffee shop was turning into Soho House but I guess this is just your PSA that this is happening now' said TikToker @sidnyenikole The coffee shop advertises itself as the 'ideal work set up', but it will charge you $10 a day The Tiktoker, who has previously posted about housing costs and her six-figure student debt, spilled the beans after seeing notices posted in the coffee shop outlining the rules. 'If you thought living in New York City was expensive, now we must pay to take our laptops out at coffee shops. That's not free anymore, that's not a free right in our community,' she said in the clip. 'Now I totally get like buying something at the cafe to sit there and do your work or whatever, so on top of the drink that was $9, you have to pay one of these prices to be able to use your laptop. 'I did not know the local coffee shop was turning into Soho House but I guess this is just your PSA that this is happening now.' The cafe boasted of its 'free wifi and charging stations' in its initial Instagram posts last year. Customers told the TikToker that the coffee shop it is already facing backlash over the surcharge. 'I walked in here to whip out my laptop to answer an email,' wrote one. 'The barista asked me 'are you...a memberrrrr?' And I said 'a member of a coffee shop?' 'I'm actually baffled at the whole notion of not wanting people sitting in your establishment,' wrote another. 'I'd be boycotting you.' 'This is so Black Mirror,' wrote a third. 'It's freaking me out.' The coffee shop advertises itself as 'the destination to meet people, enjoy coffee, be productive, and be apart (sic) of a community' 'Bedford Studio welcomes everyone to come inside to purchase coffee and relax but requires a membership to work from the Studio,' it declares But it was offering free WiFi in a bid to attract customers in its first Instagram posts last year On its website, the coffee shop advertises itself as 'the destination to meet people, enjoy coffee, be productive, and be apart (sic) of a community.' 'Bedford Studio welcomes everyone to come inside to purchase coffee and relax but requires a membership to work from the Studio as it fosters a productive environment and access to connect with new people and participate in member events dedicated to promoting well-being and career growth,' it declares. Dailymail.com has reached out to Bedford Studio for comment. Some had sympathy for a small business trying to survive in a neighborhood where property developers are asking $57.5 million for a condo inside a converted parking garage. Soaring rents and upfront costs have contributed to fewer than five percent of New York apartments being affordable to the average worker, according to a report by Streeteasy.com in May. Median asking rents climbed 8.6 percent to $3,475 in the city last year, while one in four households spent more than half of their combined income on rent according to the city's Housing and Vacancy Survey. 'Rent in NYC is insane for small businesses, too,' wrote one despondent respondent. 'If you want to use WiFi for free in public spaces, then support your local libraries.' A former coffee shop manager added: 'It's because people take up space for hours and only buy a couple things. Unfortunately in this economy all the coffee shops can't afford rent.' The TikToker's post attracted 22,000 likes and had some followers frothing in rage Another pointed: 'Or you can just not use the WiFi while getting your overpriced coffee. 'These are all choices that you are making to spend money.' The post left some stunned at the prices being charged in New York's overheated economy. 'Whatttttt, if anyone wants to move to Texas lol send me a dm,' wrote one. 'In other parts of the world ppl stay all day in coffee shops and cafes but in the US everything is about profit,' observed another. A Sky News reporter giving a live report on a developing stand-off between far-right thugs and locals in Birmingham was interrupted by a protester on a motorbike who swore and made rude gestures at the camera. Masked groups have turned out in the Alum Rock and Bordesley Green areas after rumours circulated in a far-right Telegram group of thugs heading to the city. Some of those who turned up to a McDonalds in the area confronted Sky News reporter Becky Johnson as she delivered a live report to anchorman Mark Austin - riding up to her on a motorbike as she spoke to the camera. Ms Johnson later disclosed that a Sky News van was attacked by a man with a knife as they attempted to leave the scene - after being told they were not welcome in the area. As she reported that local community leaders had been speaking to police about the gatherings, the man shouted: 'Yo, free Palestine, f*** the EDL (English Defence League)'. He was then surrounded by accomplices who approached the camera as it sought to turn away and crop them out of the scene - while Ms Johnson attempted to apologise for the language used by the protesters. Sky News reporter Becky Johnson was confronted by a gang of masked thugs live on TV The protester shouted 'Free Palestine, f*** the EDL' as the reporter looked on and associates joined him The camera was then turned away from the gathering - but some of those who turned up in masks followed it and gestured at the camera Sky's Mark Austin apologised to viewers for the language used and assured viewers that the presenter would 'have security' with her Birmingham Yardley MP Jess Phillips claimed local Muslims had gathered in the streets in response to discussions of a far-right rally in the city Young men, some in masks, gathered outside a Mcdonalds in Bordesley Green amid rumours of a far-right gathering Some protesters donned masks to stand on the roundabout - as many have in the riots seen in recent days The broadcast was then ended as Mark Austin said: 'We need to leave you there and Becky will have security there.' He also apologised for the language. Later, the correspondent revealed she and her colleagues had been told to leave the area - before a masked man with a knife tried to puncture their van's tyre with a knife. She wrote on Sky News: 'as we attempted to report live from across the street we were approached by a group of men who told us to leave. 'Older men intervened, reassuring us that we should stay. But as the situation became more hostile, we took a decision to drive away. 'As we did, a man in a balaclava ran alongside us brandishing a knife. He ran in front of one of our vehicles and began stabbing at the tyre of our broadcast van. It wasn't damaged, so we were able to continue to drive away.' Videos from Birmingham tonight show large groups of men, some wearing masks and waving Palestine flags, gathering on the centre of a roundabout next to the McDonalds. Local councillors turned out, seemingly in support of the community turning out in the area in response to rumours of a far-right protest that spread online last night. In remarks reported by Birmingham Live, Yardley West and Stechford Cllr Baber Baz He said: 'As you can see there has been a strong response form the community. 'As long as it remains peaceful which I am sure it will we are sending a strong message to the EDL that they are not welcome here and will not divide our community.' Jess Phillips, Labour MP for the area, claimed on social media that local Muslims had been coaxed out onto the streets by the rumours. 'To be clear all day rumours have been spread that a far right group were coming and it was done entirely to get Muslim people out on the street to drive this content,' she wrote on X, responding to the Sky News footage. 'These people came to this location because it has been spread that racists were coming to attack them.' West Midlands Police has not issued a statement on the gathering. A representative for the force would only confirm to MailOnline that officers had been deployed in the area. Chief constable Craig Guildford said earlier today the force has been monitoring 'local and national intelligence' on further gatherings in the wake of the Southport killings last Monday. 'My message of support remains unchanged, insofar as, the police will deal with protestors professionally and directly,' he said. Murmurs of a far-right in Birmingham spread on social media earlier today, and were the subject of discussion in a racist Telegram group linked to the initial violence in Southport after three girls were killed last week. One message, shared on the group at 1.30am today and seen by MailOnline, read: 'Where's the meet in alum rock Iv got 50 lads Chelmsley wood ready.' The group is littered with racist language and has shared violent footage of Christchurch mosque shooter Brenton Tarrant's killings. Rioters in Rotherham last night as violent scenes continue to break out following the Southport killings a week ago A riot police officer gestures with his baton in Rotherham as riots continue across the country Rioters attacked police officers in Rotherham on Sunday as far-right thugs led unrest Hundreds of people came together in Middlesbrough on Monday to begin a huge clean-up operation Local people in Middlesbrough clear broken glass and other hazards from the scene Riots spread from Southport across the country last week in horror scenes that have terrified communities Meanwhile, in Stockton-on-Tees, hundreds of Muslims stood guard outside a mosque on Teesside today as similar rumours of a far-right gathering spread online. Around 400 people gathered at the community-funded Farooq E Azam Mosque and Islamic Centre in Stockton-on-Tees at around 1pm. The largely peaceful vigil briefly erupted as a white man was arrested by police for disorderly behaviour at the end of Bowesfield Lane, where the mosque stands. Those protecting the building surged around the police vehicles and cheered as he was driven away. Rumours that started on Facebook were given credence when the local job centre and a doctor's surgery closed their doors in anticipation of a repeat of the violence that erupted in neighbouring Middlesbrough 24 hours earlier. Some members of the crowd were masked, but most stood quietly in groups with their backs to the wall of the mosque, the largest in Teesside. Volunteer Saeed Bashir, a volunteer who works in the mosque's education department, said: 'We began to hear that rumours were circulating on social media and they seemed to be getting taken seriously. 'Around 1pm people started to arrive and quite quickly there were hundreds outside standing guard. 'It wasn't something that was organised, people from the community just wanted to come and help. 'It is a peaceful situation, no one is here to cause trouble but the mosque really means something here. 'We are community funded, we've received no grants or funding, it is paid for and maintained by the people so no one wants to see any damage. 'Cleveland police have sent officers down and they're here to assist if anything happens.' Spellow Library in Liverpool was torched and looted, with pictures showing the burnt-out interior Police officers have been injured in clashes with thugs, as far-right activists led the way in attacking police officers, mosques and hotels thought to house asylum seekers this week A flaming wheelie bin is pushed towards officers during a violent demonstration in Middlesbrough Posts in a Telegram channel listed a series of immigration lawyers and advice centres and urged its 12,000 members to attack them at 8pm on Wednesday Councillor Sufi Mubeen of Stockton Council joined the crowds outside the mosque. He said: 'This is a peaceful effort from the entire community and we are grateful to the police for their assistance in this. 'It wasn't planned, people came here of their own accord because of social media rumours, which we've heard for a few days. 'What made things different today is that the job centre and doctor's surgery closed their doors. 'People are understandably anxious that there is no senseless actions against the Muslim community, especially after what happened in Middlesbrough. 'It is very good to see that there are many members of the white community who have come here in solidarity. 'Stockton is a culturally mixed community and it is good to see the support we have from all sides. 'This is not an aggressive act, people have come here to make sure nothing happens to the centre of our community.' Southport has 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 girls. Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar died following the attack. Axel Rudakubana, 17, has been charged with their murder and the attempted murder of 10 others. Sir Keir Starmer last night lashed out at what he branded 'far-right thuggery' by those exploiting the Southport killings to loot, hurl fireworks, scrap with police and target mosques with violence. The PM said: '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.' He has since promised a 'standing army' of specialist police officers is being assembled to crack down on rioting after an emergency Cobra meeting today. Almost 400 people have been arrested since rioting began last week. Hurricane Debby is causing travel hell for millions of Americans as more than 2,000 flights have been grounded by the fatal storm. More than 20,000 journeys had also been delayed by 2pm on Monday as the Category 1 storm barreled into Florida over the morning, according to FlightAware. Most meteorologists agree the storm will continue to batter the Sunshine State before heading north-east on Tuesday through Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia. Passengers wait in line at American Airlines in Terminal B at the Philadelphia International Airport, as they deal with cancelled flights to the south due to Hurricane Debby This GOES-16 GeoColor satellite image taken at 8:16 a.m. EDT and provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows Hurricane Debby, lower left, a Category 1 storm over northern Florida The 80mph Category 1 storm made landfall in Florida s Big Bend region on Monday morning, leaving more than 220,000 homes without power across the state American Airlines has delayed 14 percent of its flights scheduled for Monday and canceled 10 percent. Southwest has canceled 13 percent and canceled five percent. Meanwhile, 12 percent of Delta flights are delayed and three percent are canceled. Some 22 percent of Spirit flights are delayed and 14 percent canceled. JetBlue has canceled 26 percent of flights and delayed 11 percent. Florida airports are the worst impacted. At Orlando International, 123 flights have been delayed and 126 canceled. Some 112 flights are delayed and 67 canceled at Miami International. Tampa has also delayed 56 flights and canceled 85. More travel chaos is likely as the storm moves north-east towards Georgia and the Carolinas. Some meteorologists have warned the storm system could continue barreling north through Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts through the rest of the week up to Saturday. The full list of flight cancellations and delays is available on the FlightAware website. Hurricane Debby is causing travel hell for millions of Americans as more than 2,000 flights have been grounded by the fatal storm Hurricane Debby is predicted to rip through 10 US states after making landfall in Florida, according to one terrifying model Hurricane Debby is predicted to rip through 10 US states after making landfall in Florida, according to one terrifying model In an aerial view, a Florida National Guard vehicle drives through a flooded street from the rain and storm surge caused by Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida It comes as a 13-year-old boy, who lived near Fanning Spring, died after a tree crushed the roof of his home. There were other adults inside, but they were unharmed. 'Storm surge, strong winds, and heavy rainfall will impact a broad area of the Florida coastline overnight tonight and tomorrow,' hurricane expert Dr Levi Cowan said. Dr Cowan compiles storm path projections from trusted sources to create a map of all possible outcomes. His latest map for Debby shows it hurtling through almost the entire east coast while diminishing in strength to storm level. Dramatic photographs show parts of Florida being hammered by torrential rain and gale-force winds as the hurricane made landfall Monday morning. The storm hit Steinhatchee with winds of 80mph at 7am EDT according to the National Hurricane Center. The landfall is just 20 miles from where Hurricane Idalia struck in August 2023 as a Category 3 storm with 125mph winds, causing 12 deaths. Hurricane Debby has the potential top bring record-setting rainfall, catastrophic flooding and life-threatening storm surges as it moves across northern Florida. A new report revealed 99 illegal immigrants who are on the terrorist watch list have been released into the U.S. during the first three years of Joe Biden's administration. Border patrol has encountered as many as 250 during that time period, including from places with an active terrorist presence like Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Somalia, Pakistan, Turkey, Somalia, Uzbekistan, Mauritania and Yemen. The report, put out by the House Judiciary Committee, found that tens of thousands of nationals from countries that could present national security risks had been encountered, including 2,134 Afghans, 33,347 Chinese, 541 Iranians. 520 Syrians and 3,104 Uzbeks. The report cited information provided to the committee staff from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in June. Migrants, mostly from Central America and Venezuela, rest on their way to the United States to escape poverty and violence on the outskirts of Huixtla, Chiapas State, Mexico on July 24 'That does not include the untold numbers of potential terrorists that evaded Border Patrol to enter the United States as part of nearly 2 million 'gotaways' since the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration,' the report went on. In June eight Tajikistan nationals with potential ties to ISIS were arrested in New York, Philadelphia and Los Angeles in a coordinated sting by law enforcement. The FBI's joint terrorism task force 'began monitoring the eight as part of an investigation into 'a potential terrorist threat originating in central Europe.' Three of them had entered the U.S. after booking asylum appointments on the CBP One phone application, three had been encountered by Border Patrol while crossing the border and another arrived at a part without scheduling an asylum appointment. Republicans have issued dire warnings about about the threat potential of an overwhelmed border that can't be counted on to keep would-be terrorists out. Biden has insisted it would take an act of Congress to secure the nation's border. Migrants who crossed the Rio Grande from Mexico walk past large buoys being deployed as a border barrier The U.S. has encountered 1.8 million crossings in fiscal year 2024 through June. Numbers ticked down to 130,000 in June from a record high of 301,000 in December. Conservatives insist he has the executive power to do so - and allowed a bipartisan immigration bill to die out earlier this year over concerns it did not go far enough. Also in June it was revealed that US agents are racing to round up over 400 immigrants who were smuggled into the U.S. through the border by an ISIS-affiliated human smuggling network from Central Asia and are considered 'subjects of concern.' The migrants crossed the southern border, and although they were vetted by US Border Patrol during entry, they could not be detained at the time since they were not on the governments terrorism watchlist, according to NBC News. At the time the story broke, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had already arrested 150 of the 400 migrants. However, the location of 50 of them was totally unknown to US authorities. The over 400 migrants are believed to be from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Moldova, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia and Russia. Those nations have well-established connections to ISIS and its offshoot, ISIS-K. Australia has joined a list of countries issuing safety warnings to their citizens over Britain's anti-immigration protests and riots. It comes after Nigeria, Malaysia and Indonesia all advised their nationals living in or visiting the UK to avoid far-right demonstrations. Violent protests have rocked Britain this week after misinformation about the identity of a man arrested on suspicion of murdering three young girls in Southport spread online. The Australian government told its citizens to 'exercise a high degree of caution' and to stay away from the areas where protests are taking place in an update today. Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs similarly issued a travel alert for the UK saying there is 'an increased risk of violence and disorder occasioned by the recent riots in the UK'. Australia has joined a list of countries issuing safety warnings to their citizens over Britain's anti-immigration protests and riots. Pictured: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese 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 Pictured: A man throws a brick during a protest in Liverpool The ministry added that the violence had now 'assumed dangerous proportions'. Yesterday Malaysia was the first country to issue a warning over travel to the UK - urging it's citizens already living there to 'remain vigilant'. 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 the first suspected rioters were hauled before the courts today. Curtis Coulson, who is accused of waving a stick 'in a threatening manner' towards a woman during a riot in Sheffield, wiped away tears throughout his 20 minute-long hearing. The 30-year-old, who denied one charge of affray, became even more upset when he was refused bail and remanded in custody at Sheffield Magistrates Court. He was among at least 25 riot suspects to be hauled before court today. Leanne Hodgson, 43, admitted violent disorder after pushing a wheelie bin at police in Sunderland. She was also remanded in custody, as her lawyer told magistrates that she had an 'alcohol problem' and suffered from poor mental health. Meanwhile, in Liverpool, 28-year-old career criminal Adam Wharton pleaded guilty to burglary in relation to serious disorder on Saturday night at Spellow Library in Walton, which was torched and looted. He said 'nice one lad' as he was led down to the cells. A fight breaks out between anti-fascists and other people protesting in Blackpool Hundreds of protesters marching the streets of Hanley Police stand in riot gear next to the mosque on St Luke's road, Southport Protesters outside a mosque in Southport on Tuesday following a vigil Protesters clash with police in Bristol on Saturday Yesterday Britain faced another day of violent riots with a migrant hotel in Rotherham targeted by protesters. 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. 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. Hull, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool and Belfast have also seen violence erupt - with many police forces being pushed to breaking point. Police officers detain a woman during a protest in Nottingham Market Square People taking part in an anti-Islamic protest attack a cafe in Botanic Avenue in Belfast Police officers attend to a colleague after a face-off with protesters in Liverpool on August 3 People protest in Liverpool, following the stabbing attacks on Monday in Southport A man throws a brick during a protest in Liverpool on Saturday One 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. 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'. A Houston mother-of-five who was arrested for leaving four of her children in a locked car on a scorching summer day to buy pizza has broken her silence. Destiny Morales was taken into custody on Thursday and charged with child abandonment with intent to return, according to Harris County Constable Precinct 4. The young mother went into the Sam's Club at 300 block of E Richey Road to pick up up pizza leaving her children unattended in a locked car for over 40 minutes - on a day temperatures hovered in the mid-90s' - with the heat index making it feel more like 109 degrees, as per the National Weather Service. Horrified witnesses called police to alert them that children were alone in a locked vehicle. They said the car was running and the children were heard yelling. Some were visibly sweating and appeared flushed, according to a news release. Morales told Fox26 Houston that she 'would never harm' her children and felt like what was reported was the 'opposite of what happened,' but also admitted that she 'did mess up' and felt remorse. Destiny Morales was taken into custody on Thursday and charged with child abandonment with intent to return, according to Harris County Constable Precinct 4 The young mother was arrested and booked into the Harris County Jail before she bonded out, but it is unclear what the bail amount was and when her next court date is Morales told authorities she was only in the store for 30 minutes, but during the investigation police said the time was closer to 46 minutes. The young mother said the AC was on and told them her children were not locked inside the vehicle, Fox5 reported. When police arrived they discovered that the air conditioning was on in the vehicle, but said the vents were blowing out warm air rather than cool air on the nearly three-digit day. Emergency responders arrived on the scene and the children were evaluated. Child Protective Services were also contacted. After Morales ordered the pizza and walked outside she saw that her children were already outside the car. She saw some of the store employees looking after her children and she was arrested shortly after. Morales told the news outlet while she was waiting to pick up her food her daughter ran inside the store because she and her brother were fighting. It is unclear what ages Morales' children are. Morales who was clearly upset by what had taken place told the news outlet, 'I take care of my kids. I love my kids. I do so much. She added: 'One mistake and this ruins my whole name, my character.' The Sam's Club and location on East Richey Road where Morales left her four children in a hot car last week Morales who was taken to the Harris County Jail bonded out, though her bond information was not released. She is currently awaiting a court date. According to the latest figures from the National Safety Council, there have been 18 hot car deaths, so far, in 2024. In 2023, the total number was 29. Earlier this month, Christopher Scholtes, a father of three from Arizona, was charged with second-degree murder and child abuse after he left his two-year-old daughter, Parker Scholtes in a car where temperatures soared to a deadly 108 degrees. His daughter was left in the family's blue 2023 Honda Acura SUV in the driveway of their Tucson, Arizona home for up to three hours while he reportedly played on his PlayStation. When his physician-wife Erika returned home she made the horrifying discovery. She did CPR and tried other life saving measures, but it was sadly too late and her daughter died. Chaos unfolded on the streets of Britain again in the wake of the Southport killings - as hundreds of people took to the streets in Birmingham and Plymouth while speculation of further protests ran rampant on social media. Scores of Muslims gathered near a mosque in Birmingham yesterday after rumours of a far-right gathering spread online. Some of those who had travelled to the area were filmed attacking a pub, the Clumsy Swan. Meanwhile, police in Plymouth made six arrests as they sought to separate two groups of protesters - as a commanding officer described the policing efforts needed as 'off the scale' with 150 officers deployed in the city centre. Frightened by the despairing scenes of violence and looting in other UK cities in recent days, businesses in Huddersfield chose to pull down the shutters ahead of time - while police were mobilised in the town centre. Elsewhere, staff and students at Oxford University were warned to avoid the area around the Carfax Tower in the city centre ahead of a feared protest. A GP surgery in Birmingham also closed as hundreds of Muslims turned out to counter a rumoured far-right gathering. Police later said they were probing assault, criminal damage and attacks on cars - but that the far-right mob never materialised. In Southport, meanwhile, locals turned out peacefully with balloons, teddies and flowers to remember the victims of the attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class last Monday that has led to day after day of shameless scenes across the country. It comes as some of the first rioting suspects were hauled before court after being arrested in connection with the outrageous scenes across the country in recent days - some of whom wept in the dock as charges were read out. BIRMINGHAM: Young men, some in masks, gathered outside a McDonald's in Bordesley Green, Birmingham amid rumours of a far-right gathering BIRMINGHAM: Some protesters donned masks to stand on the roundabout - as many have in the riots seen in recent days BIRMINGHAM: Pubgoers screamed as protesters faced off against a man outside - before he was kicked to the floor PLYMOUTH: Police detain a protester as earlier clashes began to turn ugly PLYMOUTH: A man is handcuffed and led away by a police officer HUDDERSFIELD: Shops in Huddersfield closed early as claims of a planned protest in the town spread on social media SOUTHPORT: In contrast to riots across the country during anti-immigration protests, locals turned out in Southport to lay flowers and teddies and blow bubbles Hundreds of Muslims gathered in Birmingham after rumours of a far-right riot were aired on social media early on Monday. A gathering in the Alum Rock area were the subject of discussion in a far-right Telegram group thought to have instigated the initial violence in Southport after three girls were killed last week. One message, shared on the group at 1.30am on Monday, read: 'Where's the meet in alum rock Iv got 50 lads Chelmsley wood ready.' The group is littered with racist language and has shared violent footage of Christchurch mosque shooter Brenton Tarrant's killings. Jess Phillips, Labour MP for the area, claimed on social media that local Muslims had been coaxed out by the rumours. 'To be clear all day rumours have been spread that a far right group were coming and it was done entirely to get Muslim people out on the street to drive this content,' she wrote on X, responding to the Sky News footage. 'These people came to this location because it has been spread that racists were coming to attack them.' Some broke away from the main gathering, aggressively driving cars around the roundabout, while videos shared on social media showed men attacking a blue Skoda. Eyewitnesses suggest the driver had made racist comments. Videos also showed men rushing the Clumsy Swan pub on the edge of the roundabout, and getting into a fight with a man standing outside. Channel 4 News communities editor Darshna Soni later reported that the younger men who attacked the pub had been sent home by 'older guys in the community,' who apologised to pub-goers. Ms Phillips, who is also the safeguarding minister, later said the pub was 'locked up for the night now as usual'. She added: 'Any acts of violence will not be tolerated... The police have attended all sites of violence tonight and all those perpetrating it will face the consequences no matter who they are. 'Thanks to all residents who have acted with grace and kindness and have kept people informed so actions could be taken.' Police later said no arrests had been made in Birmingham, but said they were investigating an assault, criminal damage at a pub and damage to cars, as well as a report of a man with an offensive weapon. Chief Superintendent Richard North, commander at Birmingham local policing area said: 'Fortunately rumours of the significant protest activity in the city didn't materialise. 'There were several sporadic incidents of criminality during the evening and we will work hard to arrest those responsible. 'We want to reassure you that anyone participating in any criminality on our streets will be dealt with robustly. 'You will continue to see an increased police presence on our streets over the coming days to offer reassurance to our communities.' Masked groups had turned out in the area of Alum Rock and Borderley Green, some of whom swore at TV reporters delivering broadcasts. Videos from the West Midlands city tonight show large groups of men, some wearing masks and waving Palestine flags, gathering on the centre of a roundabout next to a McDonalds. Local councillors turned out, seemingly in support of the community turning out in the area in response to rumours of a far-right protest that spread online last night. But on Sky News, one masked man rode up on a motorbike to the channel's presenter Becky Johnson as she delivered a live update. Surrounded by friends, the biker made a rude gesture at the camera and shouted: 'Yo, free Palestine, f*** the EDL.' Later, the correspondent revealed she and her colleagues had been told to leave the area - before a masked man with a knife tried to puncture their van's tyre with a knife. She wrote on Sky News: 'as we attempted to report live from across the street we were approached by a group of men who told us to leave. 'Older men intervened, reassuring us that we should stay. But as the situation became more hostile, we took a decision to drive away. 'As we did, a man in a balaclava ran alongside us brandishing a knife. He ran in front of one of our vehicles and began stabbing at the tyre of our broadcast van. It wasn't damaged, so we were able to continue to drive away.' PLYMOUTH: A man faces an anti-racism protester during tense stand-offs in Plymouth PLYMOUTH: An anti-immigration protester clashes with anti-racism protesters in Plymouth tonight PLYMOUTH: A man yells at counter-protesters as riot police separate the groups to avoid conflict PLYMOUTH: Police form a barrier separating protesters in the city as tensions simmer PLYMOUTH: Masked protesters gather in the city centre, separated from others by police HUDDERSFIELD: A statue of Harold Wilson was surrounded by police after rumours of a riot in Huddersfield HUDDERSFIELD: A Barclays bank branch closed early due to 'circumstances beyond our control' HUDDERSFIELD: Stores closed in Huddersfield early on Monday fearing violent scenes akin to those seen elsewhere in recent days HUDDERSFIELD: A sign in another store within Huddersfield. Claims of a 'riot' in the town may have been exaggerated Sky News reporter Becky Johnson was confronted by a gang of masked thugs live on TV Around 80 per cent of shops and businesses in Huddersfield town centre have shut their doors or pulled down their shutters in the anticipation of possible looting. Barclays and NatWest banks, as well as McDonalds have closed until tomorrow morning. Hairdressers, shoe shops and clothing stores are also closed for 'staff safety'. West Yorkshire Police has deployed a dozen or so officers in St George's Square, outside the railway station and in which stands the statue of former Prime Minister Harold Wilson. It said in a statement reported by Yorkshire Live: 'We are of course aware of recent disorder across the country and continue to monitor relevant intelligence relating to the possibility of further incidents.' Reports suggest some of the businesses that closed early were run by Asian people - and Asian men travelled from other towns to be there to protect them. One man travelled from Leeds, and told Sky News: 'We don't want this. This is our country just as much as it is theirs. Muslims are not bad. Our religion is not bad. We're good people.' It is thought an account created on X, formerly Twitter, is responsible for the Huddersfield claims. The account was created in May this year and only began posting yesterday, suggesting there would be a 'riot on Monday In Hudderfield (sic) at 1 pm at the Townhall'. It has not posted since 11am. Tiny groups of locals are sitting around and a small quiet group of counter-protestors. One holding a sign reading 'hate will lose' is sitting on the steps of the railway station entrance. Oxford University staff received an email warning them to 'consider alternate routes home' amid a planned protest 'linked to recent unrest'. Hundreds of anti-racism protesters gathered at the Carfax Tower but largely passed without incident, reports the Oxford Mail. In Burnley, Muslim graves were vandalised with white paint. Videos on social media showed the headstones had been splashed. The leader of Burnley Council, Councillor Afrasiab Anwar MBE, hit out at the 'evil individuals' responsible, adding that their actions were 'solely intended to provoke racial tensions'. Lancashire Police said it is treating the incident as a hate crime, while the council is arranging for the graves to be specially restored. In Belfast, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) urged people to avoid the Donegall Road area of South Belfast as its officers dealt with 'ongoing disorder'. Reports suggest police were under attack from thugs throwing petrol bombs, with burning rubbish seen in the streets close to PSNI Land Rovers. Earlier tonight, a worker in a Belfast shop that burned in violent scenes on Saturday night has called for better protections for those targeted by acts 'against the Muslim community'. Bashir, who did not want to give his surname, told a Belfast City Council meeting it is the third time the Sham supermarket has been burned, adding that he was facing a 250,000 repair bill. He said that he and the shop owner, a man who came to Northern Ireland in 2016 fleeing the war in Syria, had to stand for hours watching the building on fire before they could get inside. 'There is nothing, literally nothing left inside there, ashes only. That's it. My real question is for the PSNI, where are you when we need you?' he said. After the meeting, Belfast City Council said a motion was passed in support of the people and businesses affected by the violence on Saturday. The motion condemned 'violent destruction and racist intimidation across the city, caused by far-right agitators on the streets of Belfast over the weekend'. BELFAST: PSNI officers in riot gear disembark from Land Rovers amidst disruption in Northern Ireland BELFAST: Reports suggest police were under attack from thugs throwing petrol bombs BELFAST: An officer carrying a riot shield stands in the street in the Sandy Row area of the city Bashir, manager of the Sham Supermarket, surveys the damage on Sunday after the shop was torched by far-right thugs BIRMINGHAM: Men gesture to the camera as they stand on a roundabout amid rumours of a far-right gathering Riots spread from Southport across the country last week in horror scenes that have terrified communities Rioters in Rotherham last night as violent scenes continue to break out following the Southport killings a week ago Rioters attacked police officers in Rotherham on Sunday as far-right thugs led unrest Meanwhile, in Stockton-on-Tees, hundreds of Muslims stood guard outside a mosque on Teesside as similar rumours of a far-right gathering spread online. Around 400 people gathered at the community-funded Farooq E Azam Mosque and Islamic Centre in Stockton-on-Tees at around 1pm. The largely peaceful vigil briefly erupted as a white man was arrested by police for disorderly behaviour at the end of Bowesfield Lane, where the mosque stands. Those protecting the building surged around the police vehicles and cheered as he was driven away. Rumours that started on Facebook were given credence when the local job centre and a doctor's surgery closed their doors in anticipation of a repeat of the violence that erupted in neighbouring Middlesbrough 24 hours earlier. Some members of the crowd were masked, but most stood quietly in groups with their backs to the wall of the mosque, the largest in Teesside. Volunteer Saeed Bashir, a volunteer who works in the mosque's education department, said: 'We began to hear that rumours were circulating on social media and they seemed to be getting taken seriously. 'Around 1pm people started to arrive and quite quickly there were hundreds outside standing guard. 'It wasn't something that was organised, people from the community just wanted to come and help. 'It is a peaceful situation, no one is here to cause trouble but the mosque really means something here. 'We are community funded, we've received no grants or funding, it is paid for and maintained by the people so no one wants to see any damage. 'Cleveland police have sent officers down and they're here to assist if anything happens.' Sir Keir Starmer has hit out at 'far-right thuggery' and warned that he would 'ramp up criminal justice' in response to the violence Councillor Sufi Mubeen of Stockton Council joined the crowds outside the mosque. He said: 'This is a peaceful effort from the entire community and we are grateful to the police for their assistance in this. 'It wasn't planned, people came here of their own accord because of social media rumours, which we've heard for a few days. 'What made things different today is that the job centre and doctor's surgery closed their doors. 'People are understandably anxious that there is no senseless actions against the Muslim community, especially after what happened in Middlesbrough. 'It is very good to see that there are many members of the white community who have come here in solidarity. 'Stockton is a culturally mixed community and it is good to see the support we have from all sides. 'This is not an aggressive act, people have come here to make sure nothing happens to the centre of our community.' In Southport, meanwhile, locals have turned out peacefully with balloons, teddies and flowers to remember the victims of the attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class last Monday. The vigil saw attendees blow bubbles as others places tributes in front of the Atkinson arts centre - their respect a defiant gesture to the violent thuggery that had seemingly been carried out in response to the killings. The small town has 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 girls. Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar died following the attack. Axel Rudakubana, 17, has been charged with their murder and the attempted murder of 10 others. Merseyside Police have since said one child caught up in the incident remained in hospital but all other patients had been discharged. Since Rudakubana was arrested - initially anonymised - misinformation has spread online as to his name and identity, especially on Telegram and X, formerly Twitter, which under Elon Musk's tenure has allowed false information to thrive. A judge opted not to impose the standard reporting restriction for suspects under the age of 18 in a bid to stifle the misinformation circulating online, and because Rudakubana turns 18 on Wednesday. Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Dasilva Aguiar died in the Southport attacks a week ago Ministers will back social media firms if users who spread misinformation 'have nowhere to hide', the Technology Secretary has said. Peter Kyle confirmed in a statement that he had met representatives from social media giants on Monday amid fears that posts to online forums are fuelling violent disorder. His meetings followed several days of clashes between anti-immigration demonstrators, police and counter-protesters, during which buildings have been damaged by thugs. Social media has come under scrutiny from politicians and journalists, and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper told BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Monday: 'You can't just have the armchair thuggery or the people being able to incite and organise violence and also not face consequences for this.' Elon Musk, boss of X, formerly Twitter, has faced criticism from Downing Street after the billionaire posted 'civil war is inevitable' to the platform on Sunday. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's official spokesman said there was 'no justification' for the comments, adding: 'We're talking about a minority of thugs who don't speak for Britain.' Meanwhile, the first 25 people charged in connection with the weekends rioting appeared in court yesterday including a career criminal and a 14-year-old boy seen letting off fireworks towards police. Cases were heard by magistrates in Liverpool, Manchester, Sunderland, Belfast, Sheffield and Teesside, with many defendants remanded in custody. The largest number of cases was in Liverpool with nine men and the 14-year-old, who pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Liverpool Youth Court. Joshua Sanderson-Kirk, prosecuting, said the boy was among a group of up to 12 young people in the city centre on Saturday, setting fireworks off towards members of the public and a police vehicle. The boy was arrested, telling officers: Im sorry, I wasnt firing them at you, though. He was bailed for sentencing. Another Liverpool case involved a balaclava-wearing thug who acted as a lookout when a library was ransacked and was revealed to be a career criminal who once plundered a home being renovated for a disabled child. Adam Wharton, 28, who admitted burglary at Spellow Library, Walton, after it was set on fire on Saturday night, first appeared in court aged 15. The father-of-one has 26 previous convictions including breaking into and trashing the home of a pensioner one Christmas Day and a series of robberies as a teenager. Wharton appeared at Liverpool Magistrates Court in a grey prison-issue tracksuit having been attacked in the cells, suffering a bloodied nose and eye injury. Wharton called out nice one, lad as he was remanded in custody and warned that he could face a further jail term. His brother Ellis Wharton, 22, also pleaded guilty to burglary at Spellow Library but denied assaulting a policeman. He was remanded in custody. Another defendant in Liverpool was involved in the riot in Southport last Tuesday, the day after three girls were murdered at a holiday dance class in the town. Father-of-three Derek Drummond, 58, of Southport, admitted punching a police officer in the face and violent disorder. The thug yelled s***houses before hitting PC Thomas Ball, who suffered cuts and bruises. William Morgan, 69, admitted violent disorder and possessing an offensive weapon. Adam Wharton, 28, of Walton, pleaded guilty to burglary in relation to serious disorder on Saturday night at the Spellow Library and community hub Gareth Rigby, 43, admitted a single charge of using threatening words or behaviour while Daniel Robinson, 37, admitted possessing a hammer Hamza Mohammed, 23, a salesman from Bolton, was charged with possessing fireworks Five more men appeared before Liverpool magistrates charged with offences related to the riot. Three men were in the dock at Manchester Magistrates Court over violence in Bolton on Sunday. Hamza Mohammed, 23, a salesman from the town, was charged with possessing multi-shot fireworks for use as weapons. He entered no plea and was remanded in custody. Gareth Rigby, 43, of Bolton, whose criminal record extends to 23 offences, was fined 120 plus costs after he admitted using threatening words or behaviour. Daniel Robinson, 37, of Bolton, admitted possessing a hammer and was granted bail pending sentencing in September. In Sheffield, Curtis Coulson, 30, sobbed when remanded in custody pending a trial after he denied affray by allegedly threatening a woman with a stick at a protest on Sunday. Six people appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates Court in connection with unrest in Sunderland on Friday. Josh Kellett, 29, of Washington, was remanded in custody after he admitted violent disorder by throwing a stone at police officers. Andrew Smith, 41, also pleaded guilty to violent disorder and Shaun Doran, 48, denied the same offence. Both men, from Sunderland, were remanded in custody. (left-right) Leanne Hodgson, Josh Kellett and Andrew Smith, who have who pleaded guilty, at South Tyneside Magistrates Court, to violent disorder after violent scenes in Sunderland Clinton Morrison, 31, of Sunderland, did not indicate a plea to violent disorder and was remanded in custody. Leanne Hodgson, 43, of Sunderland, admitted violent disorder after pushing a large bin towards a police line. She was remanded in custody and District Judge Zoe Passfield told her: There is absolutely no justification. Brian Gilby, 27, admitted burglary by taking vapes from a shop in Sunderland and was remanded in custody. Three men appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court and were refused bail. A man, 30, and woman, 21, appeared at Teesside Magistrates Court charged with violent disorder in Hartlepool last Wednesday. Adrian Croft, 45, of Flintshire, and Damien Williams, 39, of Knowle, Bristol, will appear before magistrates in September on public order charges after disorder in Bristol on Saturday. Sir Keir Starmer last night lashed out at what he branded 'far-right thuggery' by those exploiting the Southport killings to loot, hurl fireworks, scrap with police and target mosques. The PM said: '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.' He has since promised a 'standing army' of specialist police officers is being assembled to crack down on rioting after an emergency Cobra meeting. Almost 400 people have been arrested since rioting began last week and suggestions have been made to reintroduce overnight 'Nightingale courts' to deal with the additional strain on the justice system. These temporary courts were introduced in 2011 in response to the riots that followed after the killing of Mark Duggan by the Metropolitan Police, when Sir Keir Starmer was head of the Crown Prosecution Service. Laurence Fox has been pictured leaving the UK as far-right riots continue to rage across the country. The former actor and Reclaim party leader was seen at Stansted Airport on Saturday and later on a Ryanair flight to Cork, Ireland. It comes as violence erupted in towns and cities across Britain last week after three girls were stabbed to death at a children's dance class in Southport. Tensions were fuelled by misinformation online that the Southport suspect was a Muslim asylum seeker who arrived by boat, which boiled over onto the streets. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer vowed rioters would 'regret' taking part in 'far-right thuggery' and warned those stoking tensions online could face jail. A witness identified Fox through his hand tattoos and sunglasses which were worn for the duration of the flight. They told news website The Lead: 'Fox was glued to his phone while queuing at the gate and conspicuously wore sunglasses all through the flight.' It is not known where Fox travelled to from Cork airport or the reason for his trip. The Lead's photograph shows Laurence Fox waiting to board the 13.35 to Cork from Stansted on August 3 A witness told The Lead that 'Fox was glued to his phone while queuing at the gate and conspicuously wore sunglasses all through the flight' Laurence Fox responds to Sir Keir's address to the public following the riots in cities across Britain Angry mobs in places such as Rotherham, Middlesbrough and Liverpool, set fire to hotels housing migrants, clashed with riot police and ransacked businesses in the carnage last week. Rioters set off flares, threw bricks and planks of wood at officers, attacked libraries and mosques and looted a number of shops. In an address to the nation, Sir Keir said those 'whipping up this action online and then running away themselves,' would face the consequences of their actions. Fox has shared a string of false claims on his social media involving immigrants recently. On Friday night, he posted a list of dozens of acts of violence he alleged had been committed by immigrants under the caption: 'Anyone else had enough?' Among them was the claim that a 'woman [was] beaten to death by two Somalis while walking her dog' understood to have been a reference to last month's murder of Anita Rose, 57, in Brantham, Suffolk. Far-right activist Tommy Robinson has been staying in a five-star resort in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, as violence and disorder continues on Britain's streets Three people have been arrested in connection with the murder, but Suffolk Police last night confirmed Fox's tweet was not correct. Since leaving the country on August 4, Fox has continued to post inflammatory statements on his 'X' page, including 'Islam needs to be removed from Britain' and 'we want our country back'. Commenting on Sir Keir Starmer's address, he said: 'I cannot believe this traitor. Hes doubling down on the pathetic rhetoric. For decades British girls have been raped by immigrant barbarians and hes finally come out. On their side. Fine. Then its war.' Meanwhile, far-right activist Tommy Robinson has been staying in a five-star resort in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, as violence and disorder continues on Britain's streets. 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. A grieving mother has called for routine testing for group B streptococcal bacteria in expectant women after her baby suffered catastrophic brain damage and died when he contracted the infection. Louise Martin raised concerns within two hours of Joshua's birth over his grunting noises, struggling to maintain body temperature and lack of interest in feeding all red flags for the life-threatening condition. But she was sent home and made two further calls to the Lister Hospital in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, before Joshua, who had become 'floppy and cold', was readmitted. He was taken to neonatal intensive care where he was diagnosed with GBS infection and managed to survive only to die in his mother's arms eight months later from respiratory failure linked to the severe brain injury he sustained. His devastated parents have now been awarded an undisclosed sum from the hospital trust more than three years after the tragedy. Louise Martin raised concerns within two hours of Joshua's birth over his grunting noises, struggling to maintain body temperature and lack of interest in feeding all red flags for the life-threatening condition But she was sent home and made two further calls to the Lister Hospital in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, before Joshua, who had become 'floppy and cold', was readmitted He was taken to neonatal intensive care where he was diagnosed with GBS infection and managed to survive only to die in his mother's arms eight months later from respiratory failure linked to the severe brain injury he sustained But they pointed out he would still be alive today and other babies could be saved - if a routine test was available for the common birth infection. Mrs Martin, 39, said: 'The pain of losing Joshua is still as raw now as it was then. We loved him so much. 'I believe that Joshua would still be here with us and experiencing a happy, healthy life if the GBS infection was diagnosed earlier. 'It was only after researching more about it that I realised how common GBS is. It's difficult to understand why more isn't done to identify and prevent it causing infection.' Around a quarter of women carry the Strep B bacterium, generally with no ill-effects. But they can pass it on to their babies around birth, leading to serious problems. NHS data suggests around one in 1,750 babies fall seriously ill after contracting the infection, with a death rate of about ten per cent. But a study by the University of Cambridge and Cambridge Universities NHS Foundation Trust last year found one in 200 newborns are admitted to neonatal units with sepsis caused by GBS. Mrs Martin, of Hitchin, Hertfordshire, was admitted to hospital on New Year's Eve 2020 and gave birth at 6am the next day after being induced. His devastated parents have now been awarded an undisclosed sum from the hospital trust more than three years after the tragedy But they pointed out he would still be alive today and other babies could be saved - if a routine test was available for the common birth infection She said she overheard doctors discussing whether she needed antibiotics but was allowed home on January 2, despite her concerns about Joshua's problems. The mother-of-two daughters aged seven and 11 called the hospital that night but was told there was nothing to be worried about. Joshua failed to wake up for a feed during the night and was readmitted on January 3 when his mother complained he had become limp and cold. He was put on a ventilator after tests showed he had GBS meningitis. Doctors discharged him after six weeks and he spent time in a hospice before being allowed home but lived with severe complications, dying in September 2020. Mrs Martin, who wants routine tests for Strep B for mothers towards the end of pregnancies, said: 'He became very weak and when he eventually lost his fight at home, surrounded by his family, it was devastating for us all.' She added: 'Each time I tried to raise concerns, I was told there was nothing to worry about. Even when we were sent home, I felt something wasn't right. 'While it's too late for Joshua, I just hope that by speaking out I can help raise awareness around GBS. 'If I can help others by sharing what happened to our family, then maybe Joshua's death won't have been totally in vain. 'I wasn't advised about GBS in any of my other pregnancies and the only thing I remember during my pregnancy with Joshua was a midwife asking at an antenatal appointment if I'd previously been diagnosed with GBS, which I hadn't. 'I didn't know what GBS was at the time, so I didn't think more of it.' Mrs Martin, 39, said: 'The pain of losing Joshua is still as raw now as it was then. We loved him so much' She added: 'I believe that Joshua would still be here with us and experiencing a happy, healthy life if the GBS infection was diagnosed earlier' She added she had 'always been nervous during my pregnancies' after her first child was stillborn due to a blood clot on his brain. Subsequent pregnancies were classed as high-risk as a result. East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, which runs Lister Hospital, did not admit liability in the financial settlement but an investigation it carried out revealed 'inappropriate' management and communication in Joshua's case. It said in a statement: 'Our midwives follow national and local guidance for Strep B and, through this guidance, ensure the risks and how to test for them are discussed antenatally through our community midwives. 'If this was not the experience of Louise and her family, our chief nurse would welcome discussions of how to improve our practice and safety outcomes and would encourage them to get in touch.' Alexandra Highfield, of law firm Irwin Mitchell who represented the family, said: 'A simple test can be conducted to highlight whether an expectant mum is a carrier of the bacteria and her care plan can be adjusted to ensure intravenous antibiotics are provided throughout labour to prevent the baby developing an infection. 'What happened to Joshua vividly highlights the dangers of GBS infection and the need for everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms.' Jane Plumb MBE, chief executive of charity Group B Strep Support, added: 'Understanding group B strep and the availability of antenatal testing can make a life-changing difference. 'Knowledge is power and, in the case of group B strep, it is a vital tool that can prevent tragedies like the loss of Joshua.' A huge rocket attack on Ain al-Assad base in Iraq wounded 'several' American soldiers on Monday, officials said, just a day after Antony Blinken made chilling predictions of an Iranian counterattack on Israel. The base in the west of the country was targeted by two Soviet-made Katyusha rockets amid soaring tensions in the Middle East - with Iran threatening to strike Israel as early as tonight. The rocket fire is the latest in a series of attacks targeting the base in western Iraq, which hosts American troops as well as personnel from the US-led coalition against the Islamic State jihadist group. Israel has been braced for an Iranian assault on five fronts at any moment in revenge following the assassination 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. The White House Press Office and Joe Biden's own social media accounts said that the president and Kamala Harris have been briefed by national security advisors on the attack. 'They discussed the steps we are taking to defend our forces and respond to any attack against our personnel in a manner and place of our choosing,' a spokesperson said. A huge rocket attack on a base in Iraq wounded 'several' American soldiers on Monday, officials said, as tensions escalate and the US still expects an Iranian counterattack on Israel The base in the west of the country was targeted by two Soviet-made Katyusha rockets amid soaring tensions in the Middle East - with Iran threatening to strike Israel as early as tonight The Department of Defense also confirmed the severity of the attack. 'There was a suspected rocket attack today against US and coalition forces' at the base, a US defense spokesperson said. 'Initial indications are that several US personnel were injured.' 'Base personnel are conducting a post-attack damage assessment' and updates will be provided as more information becomes available, the spokesperson added. An Iraqi military source had earlier said that multiple rockets were fired at base, with some landing inside it and another hitting nearby village but not causing damage. A commander in a pro-Iran armed group told AFP that at least two rockets targeted the base, without saying who had carried out the attack. Another source in the group and a security source confirmed an attack occurred. Such attacks were frequent early in the war between Israel and Hamas Palestinian militants in Gaza but since then have largely halted. The latest rocket fire comes as fears grow of an attack by Iran and its allies on Israel in retaliation for the killing of top Hamas and Hezbollah figures in strikes last weeks either blamed on or claimed by Israel. The White House Press Office said that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have been briefed by national security advisors on the attack It was not immediately clear who was behind the attack, however Iran's proxy forces in Iraq and Syria frequently attack US bases at times of heightened tension. Joe Biden was already scheduled to meet with his national security team in the Situation Room today as the lame-duck president seeks to soothe blistering tensions between Israel and Iran after the Jewish state assassinated Hamas leaders in Tehran and Beirut, Lebanon, last week. The Islamic Republic could attack Israel in the next 24 to 48 hours following a major attack by Hezbollah that left two IDF soldiers injured, top western diplomats have warned. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the G7 yesterday that an attack in response to Israel's killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut was imminent, Axios reported. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III reportedly spoke to his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant on Sunday to assure the Jewish state of U.S. support. It would mark the second time during the growing crisis in the Middle East that Iran has directly attacked Israel, the first being in April when it sent a salvo of missiles and drones overnight. Iran has clearly signaled that it intends to attack its foe, claiming it has the 'legal right' to respond to Haniyeh's assassination. Foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanani told a news conference: 'No one has the right to doubt Iran's legal right to punish the Zionist regime.' The head of Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, General Hossein Salami, also threatened Israel, warning that the state was 'digging its own grave' by carrying on its war against the terror group Hamas. Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his nation is already in a 'multi-front war' with Iran Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The country is set to attack Israel imminently, claiming it has the 'legal right' to respond to Haniyeh's assassination Footage shows the Iron Dome system firing defensive missiles (pictured) to intercept the barrage amid ongoing clashes between Israeli troops and Lebanon's Hezbollah fighters 'They will see the result of their mistake. They will see when, how and where they will get their response,' Salami said during a speech. The threat from Iran comes just hours after Hezbollah, backed by the Iranian regime, launched a silo of 30 missiles from Lebanon towards upper Galilee. The escalating tensions between Israel, Hezbollah and Iran have led to growing fears of an all-out war breaking out in the Middle East between Israel and Tehran's proxies. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his nation is already in a 'multi-front war' with Iran, adding during a Cabinet meeting on Sunday that Israel is prepared for any scenario. Netanyahu has also been accused of not being 'sincerely interested in a ceasefire', as Hamas' Haniyeh was the terror group's lead ceasefire negotiator. The U.S. said on the G7 call on Sunday that its choice to increase its military capability in the region was to bolster defense. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas in retaliation for its unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel that 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 retaliatory campaign has left at least 39,583 people dead in Gaza, according to the territory's health ministry, which does not give details of civilian and militant deaths. Human remains have been found inside a crocodile that was shot and killed after a father was nabbed in front of his wife and kids while fishing during a family holiday. The 40-year-old NSW father was attacked near the bridge at Annan River, south of Cooktown, in Far North Queensland, just after 2pm on Saturday. He was dragged under the water by a 4.9m long crocodile with the shocking incident unfolding in front of his wife and children as they stood nearby. The crocodile was shot and killed by wildlife rangers at 2pm on Monday before the carcass was handed to police and the contents of its stomach examined. Queensland Police released a statement on Tuesday revealing that human remains had been found inside the predator. 'A formal identification process is underway, however it is believed the remains are those of a missing 40-year-old NSW man,' a statement read. 'Further testing will be conducted to determine a positive identity. The search and rescue operation has been suspended. 'Police are working with wildlife officers as investigations continue.' Disturbing footage has emerged showing people feeding crocodiles upstream from where a man was dragged under by a 'large croc' while fishing with his family It comes as disturbing videos emerged on social media showing people throwing fish or meat scraps into the water for awaiting crocodiles upstream from where the father was snatched. 'Is that the big one?' a man was heard asking. 'Yeah. He's pretty big,' another person responded. 'Oh, there's two there!' a woman exclaimed. A child was then heard saying 'attack' just moments before a crocodile surfaced and snapped at the food thrown into the water. In another video, a crocodile was seen swimming up to the edge of the water and eating a large fish on the riverbank. 'What a pig,' the woman said. 'I think he just said "thank you".' It is unknown when the video was taken but it is understood the feeding happened at the Annan River in Cooktown. A Queensland Department of Environment and Science said it was 'highly concerned' by the videos. 'It is illegal to feed crocodiles in Queensland, and anyone with information about the deliberate feeding of crocodiles is encouraged to call 1300 130 372 and report the information. Reports can be made anonymously,' a spokesman said. The man, 40, was attacked by a crocodile in front of his wife and children while fishing near the bridge at Annan River, south of Cooktown (pictured, baited croc trap is put into the water) 'Feeding of crocodiles at riverbanks or boat ramps encourages them to hang around, waiting for their next meal. 'This can place future visitors to the area at a much greater risk of attack if they approach or enter the water. 'People should never feed crocodiles or give easy access to food or fish scraps.' The department said crocodiles, which have been around for millions of years, are able to source their own food with their highly developed sense of smell. It added the crocodile responsible for dragging the father underwater was 'believed to have a distinctive marking on its snout'. The fishing spot, where the father was attacked, is a well-known habitat for the reptiles. A Cooktown resident claimed the crocodile had associated people with food as some locals were feeding it roadkill further upstream. 'People throw roadkill in for it to eat and he could have been sitting there 15ft under the water waiting for a feed,' they told the Cairns Post. 'We have had a bit of rain so the bank would be soft and even if he wasn't near the edge it could have fallen away beneath him. 'It's just horrendous and everyone is feeling about the family, to watch that happen in front of you is unthinkable.' Police declined to comment on speculation that members of the public had been feeding crocodiles in the vicinity. Labour's 'harsh' decision to axe Winter Fuel Payments could leave millions of pensioners in cold homes later this year, the Chancellor has been warned. Dozens of charities last night warned Rachel Reeves that the removal of the subsidy, in addition to rising tariffs, could create a 'public health emergency' and 'additional winter deaths'. The government has confirmed that the Winter Fuel Payment will only be retained for people who receive Pension Credit, but it is thought that as many as 1.2 million eligible pensioners are not currently claiming it. 10 million pensioners will be stripped of the benefit, with people on incomes as low as 1,000 a month affected from this winter. Mrs Reeves has said the move to slash the subsidy for all pensioners was necessary to combat a 22billion black hole in the public finances. Rachel Reeves (pictured) was warned the removal of the subsidy, in addition to rising tariffs, could create a 'public health emergency' and 'additional winter deaths' The government has confirmed that the Winter Fuel Payment will only be retained for people who receive Pension Credit, but it is thought that as many as 1.2 million eligible pensioners are not currently claiming it (stock image) The letter to the Chancellor, signed by 50 charities, reads: 'The decision to remove the Payment to all but a small minority of pensioners will see millions more older people face the prospect of spending this winter in cold damp homes. 'This has the potential to create a public health emergency. The impact of living in cold damp homes is particularly harsh on those older people with a disability, a long-term health condition or with poor mental health. 'It results in these people turning to an NHS that is already under stress and in some cases, can result in additional winter deaths. 'Unless we see urgent action from the Government to keep people warm this winter, one of the first actions of the new Government will be to condemn more vulnerable households to fuel poverty.' 10 million pensioners will be stripped of the benefit, with people on incomes as low as 1,000 a month affected from this winter (stock image) General Secretary of the National Pensioners Convention, Jan Shortt, added: 'I seriously believe the Chancellor has underestimated the harm her decision will cause to older people still struggling with energy costs and facing higher rates in October. 'It is absolutely shocking that the new Labour government should treat older, vulnerable people in this manner.' Several Labour ministers, including Mrs Reeves and the Prime Minister, were branded 'hypocrites' last week after rallying against such a move while in opposition. Former Donald Trump campaign lawyer Jenna Ellis has reached a cooperation agreement with Arizona prosecutors overseeing the prosecution of a 'fake electors' scheme. Prosecutors are dropping nine charges against her, Attorney General Kris Mayes said in a statement, in a case where 18 Republicans have been charged in a scheme to try snatch away the state's 11 electoral votes and award them to Donald Trump in the 2020 election. Ellis was a prominent Trump campaign attorney, and famously accompanied former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani as he made claims of election fraud in a series of states Trump was contesting. Ellis will cooperate with Arizona prosecutors in exchange for charges being dropped against her in a fake electors case, the state AG's office announced Monday. She has agreed to testify 'completely and truthfully' and will provide documents and evidence as needed. Ellis has previously pleaded not guilty to fraud, forgery and conspiracy charges in the Arizona case. Seventeen other people charged in the case have pleaded not guilty to the felony charges - including Giuliani, Trump presidential chief of staff Mark Meadows and 11 Republicans who submitted a document to Congress falsely declaring Trump had won Arizona. Former Trump campaign attorney Jenna Ellis has reached a cooperation agreement with Arizona prosecutors. Last year she pleaded guilty to charges in Georgia, where former President Donald Trump and alleged coconspirators are charged The cooperation deal allows her to avoid jail time. She pleaded guilty in the Georgia election interference case which also involved an alleged scheme involving 'fake' electors. Joe Biden carried both states. 'Her insights are invaluable and will greatly aid the State in proving its case in court,' Attorney General Kris Mayes said in a statement. 'As I stated when the initial charges were announced, I will not allow American democracy to be undermined - it is far too important. Todays announcement is a win for the rule of law.' Last year, Ellis was charged in Georgia after she appeared with Giuliani at a December 2020 hearing hosted by state Republican lawmakers at the Georgia Capitol during which false allegations of election fraud were made. She had pleaded guilty in October to one felony count of aiding and abetting false statements and writings. She made a tearful statement inside the courtroom while entering her plea. While not a fake elector in Arizona, prosecutors say Ellis made false claims of widespread election fraud in the state and six others, encouraged the Arizona Legislature to change the outcome of the election and encouraged then-Vice President Mike Pence to accept Arizonas fake elector votes. The indictment said Ellis, Giuliani and other associates were at a meeting at the Arizona Legislature on Dec. 1, 2020, with then-House Speaker Rusty Bowers and other Republicans when Giuliani and his team asked the speaker to hold a committee hearing on the election. Jenna Ellis reads a statement inside Fulton Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee's Fulton County, Ga., courtroom, Oct. 24, 2023, in Atlanta. 'Her insights are invaluable and will greatly aid the State in proving its case in court,' Attorney General Kris Mayes said in a statement When Bowers asked for proof of election fraud, Giuliani said he had proof but Ellis had advised that it was left back at a hotel room, the indictment said. No proof was provided to Bowers. Ellis also is barred from practicing law in Colorado for three years after her guilty plea in Georgia. Prosecutors in Michigan, Nevada, Georgia and Wisconsin have also filed criminal charges related to the fake electors scheme. Ellis posted a statement by her lawyers, Matt Brown and Matt Melito. 'We are grateful the Arizona Attorney Generals Office completely dismissed the indictment against Jenna Ellis as she was not involved in the so-called fake elector scheme. Jenna was originally told she was not a target and her cooperation is her continued willingness to tell the truth,' they said. Arizona authorities unveiled the felony charges in late April. Overall, charges were brought against 11 Republicans who submitted a document to Congress falsely declaring Trump had won Arizona, five lawyers connected to the former president and two former Trump aides. President Joe Biden won Arizona by 10,457 votes. Trump himself was not charged in the Arizona case but was referred to as an unindicted co-conspirator in the indictment. The 11 people who claimed to be Arizonas Republican electors met in Phoenix on Dec. 14, 2020, to sign a certificate saying they were 'duly elected and qualified' electors and asserting that Trump carried the state. A one-minute video of the signing ceremony was posted on social media by the Arizona Republican Party at the time. The document was later sent to Congress and the National Archives, where it was ignored. The Bangladeshi prime minister is thought to be seeking 'political asylum' in the UK after she fled the country by helicopter. Sheikh Hasina, who had ruled Bangladesh for 15 years, slipped out of the capital Dhaka as protesters stormed her palace demanding that she quit. The country has been rocked by violent protests with the 'Iron Lady's' government declaring a nationwide shoot-on-sight policy, which has killed more than 300 and left tens of thousands injured. Ms Hasina, 76, who has ruled Bangladesh since 2009, is now believed to be heading to London where she will reportedly seek 'asylum', Indian media has said. She is the aunt of Labour MP Tulip Siddiq, who represents the Hampstead and Highgate constituency of north London. As news of her departure spread across the South Asian country, millions took to the streets to celebrate. Sheikh Hasina (pictured) resigned today and fled to London following the weeks of unrest Bangladeshi citizens were seen climbing over the prime minister's residence Bangladesh has been all but torn apart over the past few weeks by a vicious crackdown on civil unrest by the country's government Crowds waved flags, some dancing on top of a tank, before thousands broke through the gates of Hasinas official residence in Dhaka. Bangladeshs Channel 24 broadcast images of crowds running into the compound, waving to the camera as they celebrated, looting furniture and books while others relaxed on beds. Student-led demonstrations against new civil service job quotas began last month, but a brutal crackdown on them by police fuelled wider calls for Ms Hasina to stand down. Shortly after she was seen on TV boarding a military helicopter, the army chief, General Waker-uz-Zaman, announced he would form a caretaker government. General Waker who has promised the military will stand down when a new government is formed said that an investigation would be launched into the deadly crackdown on the protests that fuelled outrage against Ms Hasina. Sheikh Hasina is the daughter of the country's first leader Sheikh Mujib Rahman 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 The authoritarian leader has faced calls to resign for weeks Sheikh Hasina's government is accused of extrajudicial killings Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (C) weeps while she visits a metro station in Mirpur vandalized by students during the anti-quota protests He has reportedly held talks with the main opposition parties but not Ms Hasinas Awami League. Her government had been accused by rights groups of misusing state institutions to entrench its hold on power and stamp out dissent, which included killing opposition activists. Demonstrations began over the reintroduction of a quota scheme that reserved more than half of all lucrative government jobs for certain groups. The protests escalated despite the scheme being scaled back by Bangladeshs top court. At least 94 people were killed on Sunday, the deadliest day of the unrest, and hundreds more were injured as protesters and government supporters battled each other with sticks and knives, while security forces opened fire. The latest violence took the total number killed since protests began to at least 320. Ms Hasina had come to power following a coup. The military declared an emergency in January 2007 after widespread political unrest and installed a caretaker government until Ms Hasina took over. She won her fourth consecutive election in January after a vote without genuine opposition. 'Vile trolls' and scammers have targeted the funeral of Jay Slater by claiming it will be live streamed, in a bid to make money off the teenager's tragic death. LBT Global, a charity working with the family, say they have been inundated with reports of these scams which have been popping up online. Scammers claim to have a live stream link to Jay's funeral and are reportedly offering to send viewers this link for a fee, the charity said. It comes as a date for the 19-year-old's funeral has been set for Saturday, August 10, in the Chapel at at Accrington Crematorium, in Lancashire. The service will include a 'celebration of life' prior to the interment. The charity labelled the scam as 'hurtful and deeply unrespectful' to Jay's family who flew his body back to the UK from Tenerife just last week. Chief Executive Matthew Searle, from LBT Global, told The Sun: 'We are inundated with reports of these scams, and as fast as we can get the platforms to remove them, more appear. 'To be completely clear there is no live stream of Jay's funeral, and anyone claiming to offer one is a scam. Jay's final resting place was discovered by a Dutch search team sent to the Spanish holiday island to find his body after he disappeared on June 17. Pictured: Jay and his mother Debbie Duncan The community of Oswaldtwistle vowed 'we will always remember him' at a memorial service held for teenager Jay Slater 'As much as being hurtful and deeply unrespectful, this is taking vital donations away from a small charity. 'We ask that anyone seeing one of these pages reports it to the platform. Please don't follow them or send them money. 'It is so typical of the vile trolling this family have received for them to target something so special as a funeral.' Jay's family have strongly denied any footage of the funeral will be available online. Jay, from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, disappeared on the morning of June 17 while trying to walk back to his holiday accommodation in Los Cristianos, taking what he believed was a short cut across the mountains. He attended the NRG music festival with two friends before his disappearance, and his last known location was the Rural de Teno Park in the north of the Canary Island, which was about an 11-hour walk from his accommodation. A date for the 19-year-old's funeral has been set for Saturday, August 10, in the Chapel at at Accrington Crematorium, in Lancashire Jay had travelled to an Airbnb in Masca after a night out but the two men said to have rented the property were later ruled 'not relevant' to the case. Jay's final resting place was discovered by a Dutch search team sent to the Spanish holiday island to find his body after he disappeared on June 17. Three members of the Signi Zoekhonden team and their Belgian Malinois dog called Flex pinpointed the tragic spot during a five hour trek in and out of the remote Barranco Juan Lopez valley and the rocky ravine at the end of it. The team carried out their mission to take videos and pictures of the scene around 300 yards into the ravine to try and bring some comfort to the 19-year-old's family by showing them where he was in his last moments. A GoFundMe fundraiser originally set up to help find the apprentice bricklayer hasbeen used to repatriate Jay's body and to give him, as his heartbroken mother Debbie Duncan put it in a plea for further donations, 'the send-off he deserves' after he was found in the Barranco Juan Lopez valley last month. At the time of publication, the fund - set up by his friend Lucy Mae just hours after he disappeared - had reached 74,276. Two men who stole 50,000 worth of mobile phones and cash in brazen 'lost tourist' distraction thefts in the space of a few weeks have been jailed. Florin Petrache and Gabriel Stanescu targeted businesses including beauty salons, estate agents and dental surgeries, as well as a library, in the crime spree that spanned several counties. Petrache would enter the premises pretending to be an Italian called Mario and claiming he needed help translating something. He would then show his victims a piece of paper or a leaflet that was used to cover their phone or wallet while he used sleight of hand to snatch them. Stanescu's role was to wait outside in a car and swiftly drive them away when Petrache emerged. Florin Petrache, 34, who was based in the Great Yarmouth area of Norfolk, was jailed for two years for a series of distraction thefts targeting businesses across several counties They were caught after one victim managed to scribble down a number plate of the getaway car and the men were arrested by police. Petrache, 34, who was based in the Great Yarmouth area of Norfolk, was jailed for two years after appearing at Norwich Crown Court where he admitted eight counts of theft and asked for 31 other offences to be taken into consideration. Stanescu, 22, of Ipswich, Suffolk, received a 21-month jail term after pleading guilty to six theft charges, with another 27 offences taken into account. The pair were arrested on March 12 this year on the A149 between North Walsham and Cromer in Norfolk after swiping a mobile phone from a business in Dersingham, where the victim noted the registration of the green Lexus they were using. When the vehicle was stopped, officers found several handsets matching those reported stolen that day, along with a number of others taken on previous occasions. They were taken to Great Yarmouth police station for questioning and were later charged. Investigations revealed their criminal campaign had taken place across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and the Thames Valley area in February and March this year. Petrache had been responsible for a similar mini crimewave in October 2020. Stanescu denied being involved in these earlier offences, claiming he had been in Romania at the time. While in custody, they agreed to assist a force scheme called Operation Converter, under which criminals are encouraged to own up to unsolved crimes. Gabriel Stanescu, 22, of Ipswich, Suffolk, received a 21-month jail term for his role as a getaway driver after Petrache carried out the distraction thefts Sgt Holly Metcalf and PC Vicky Sweetland, who led the investigation, said in a statement after last week's sentencing: 'This was a complex and detailed investigation across different forces with multiple victims, CCTV and eye-witnesses providing evidence going back four years.'These types of offences are a stark reminder to keep your valuables out of sight and be aware when using expensive items in public.' Operation Converter supervisor Duncan Etchells added: 'Petrache and Stanescu were prolific offenders who locked onto the fact most unsuspecting people have their phones close to them at work as they go about their daily business. 'However, with many handsets now worth over 1,000, it is easy to become a target. 'With both now behind bars, the number of phones stolen will be reduced.' The Ohio State Supreme Court has made an astonishing ruling in the case of a man who was left with horrific injuries after making a sickening discovery in his boneless chicken wings. Michael Berkheimer was enjoying his 'usual' meal of boneless chicken with his wife and some friends from Wings on Brookwood in Hamilton in 2016 before he felt something in his throat. At first, Berkheimer ignored the sensation and told Fox 19 he just assumed the wing went 'down the wrong pipe' - bit it turned out to be much more sinister when he began feeling feverish three days later. After being dashed to the emergency room, doctors discovered a piece of a wishbone from one of the wings had become lodged in his throat and punctured his esophagus - leaving anything he ate from then on to fall directly into his chest cavity, where it caused an infection. He then suffered a heart attack, which collapsed one of his lungs, and was placed in a coma twice before attempting to sue the restaurant and its suppliers for negligence. Michael Berkheimer suffered serious injuries after he ate what he thought were boneless chicken wings in 2016 Doctors discovered a piece of a wishbone from one of the wings had become lodged in his throat and punctured his esophagus 'I had bacteria buildup in my chest cavity the size of a softball laying on my heart,' Berkheimer recounted. His attorney, Rob Stokar, said the judge dismissed their first suit, but they appealed and it eventually landed in the Ohio Supreme Court. It ruled 4-3 on Thursday that the term 'boneless wings' refers only to the 'cooking style' and is not to be taken seriously. 'A diner reading "boneless wings" on a menu would no more believe that the restaurant was warranting the absence of bones in the items than believe that the items were made from chicken wings, just as a person eating "chicken fingers" would know that he had not been served fingers,' Justice Joseph T. Deters wrote for the majority. But other justices disagreed, with one calling the majority opinion 'utter jabberwocky.' 'The question must be asked: Does anyone really believe that the parents in this country who feed their young children boneless wings or chicken tenders or chicken nuggets or chicken fingers expect bones to be in the chicken? Of course they don't,' Justice Michael P Donnelly wrote. Berkheimer (pictured before his injuries) sued the local restaurant and its suppliers, accusing them of negligence The Ohio State Supreme Court has since ruled that that the term 'boneless wings' refers only to the 'cooking style' and is not to be taken seriously The owners of Wings on Brookwood celebrated the ruling, saying they were glad the case was finally over, and they hoped the decision would protect other small businesses from what they described as 'frivolous lawsuits' 'When they read the word "boneless" they think it means "without bones" as do all sensible people.' The opposition argued that the decision should have instead sat with a jury. The owners of Wings on Brookwood celebrated the ruling, saying they were glad the case was finally over, and they hoped the decision would protect other small businesses from what they described as 'frivolous lawsuits.' But Ohio State Sen. Bill DeMora said he now plans to introduce legislation to ensure that anyone in a similar situation can bring their case before a jury. 'It was outrageous. It lacked all common sense,' the Democrat said of the ruling. He said he has asked the Legislative Service Commission to draft a potential bill that would ensure 'people would get their day in court' rather than have appeal judges make the decisions. The Ohio legislature, however, will likely not take any action on the measure before the November elections. Berkheimer now continues to suffer from effects on his body, and has seen a psychiatrist for the trauma he endured. 'It just traumatized me. It's taken joy from my family,' he said. 'Thank God for the Lord and my wife, or else I wouldn't have been here.' Sir Keir Starmer has come under fire for 'dithering and delaying' over his response to the riots and for failing to recall MPs to Parliament. The Prime Minister finally held an emergency COBRA meeting with Cabinet ministers, police bosses and prison chiefs on Monday to discuss a strategy for tackling the unrest. But senior Tories questioned why he had not done so until six days after violence first broke out in Southport following the mass stabbing of children at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. Robert Jenrick, a frontrunner in the Tory leadership contest, told the Mail: 'Sir Keir has dithered and delayed for six days of growing lawlessness before convening COBRA and treating this security emergency with the seriousness it needed. 'He criticised Boris Johnson five times for not attending COBRA meetings at the start of the pandemic, only to fail to even organise one while Britain burns. Sir Keir Starmer has come under fire for 'dithering and delaying' over his response to the riots and for failing to recall MPs to Parliament Robert Jenrick, a frontrunner in the Tory leadership contest, told the Mail: 'Sir Keir has dithered and delayed for six days of growing lawlessness before convening COBRA and treating this security emergency with the seriousness it needed' 'Captain Hindsight strikes again.' Captain Hindsight was the nickname given by Mr Johnson to Sir Keir during clashes in the Commons over the latter's criticism of his response to Covid. Referring to Sir Keir's plans to go on holiday in the coming days, a source close to Mr Jenrick added: 'The PM was too busy searching [flights website] Skyscanner as the riots overtook the country on Friday evening.' It was unclear last night whether the PM will press ahead with his holiday plans. Former Home Secretary James Cleverly, another leadership contender, told Times Radio: 'When the Government gets things right, I will support them, because this issue is absolutely key. 'But I'm also concerned that they have been slow. When you're in opposition, you get into a habit of thinking what you're going to say. 'When you're in government, you have to decide what you're going to do. They need to be much more proactive.' Sir Keir also faced mounting pressure to recall Parliament, which went into recess last week for the summer holidays. Former home secretary Dame Priti Patel has urged that Parliament should be recalled The violence has continued for six days, but Sir Keir Starmer only held his first COBRA meeting today, leading to accusations that he has 'delayed' over taking action In a letter to the PM, former home secretary Dame Priti Patel said: 'We either believe in the rule of law, or we do not. That is why the House of Commons must be recalled.' She said recalling Parliament following the 2011 summer riots 'gave politicians an opportunity to come together to stand against violence and to address issues exposed by those events.' She added: 'Recalling Parliament will present the House with an opportunity for MPs, including in those constituencies affected, to raise their view and seek assurances from the Government. 'The public need reassurances about the steps the Government are taking to restore order to our streets, and the House of Commons is the forum where this should take place.' Dame Priti added that MPs needed answers as to why the PM has apparently not ordered the police to take further measures such as cancelling leave to ensure officer numbers are high enough. Shortly after Sir Keir's first COBRA meeting of the crisis yesterday, he announced that 'a standing army of specialist' police officers has been scrambled to be deployed to any locations where extra resources are needed. And he said he had requested 'early consideration of the earliest naming and identification of those involved' in rioting, so they feel the 'full force of the law'. He also insisted there were enough prison places after more than 400 arrests were made. This is despite his Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood last month warning prisons were 'within a few hundred places of collapse'. The Government has passed legislation approving the early release of thousands of prisoners to ease the crisis, but this won't start until September. BIRMINGHAM: Young men, some in masks, gathered outside a McDonald's in Bordesley Green, Birmingham amid rumours of a far-right gathering BIRMINGHAM: Some protesters donned masks to stand on the roundabout - as many have in the riots seen in recent days BIRMINGHAM: Pubgoers screamed as protesters faced off against a man outside - before he was kicked to the floor PLYMOUTH: Police detain a protester as earlier clashes began to turn ugly PLYMOUTH: A man is handcuffed and led away by a police officer HUDDERSFIELD: Shops in Huddersfield closed early as claims of a planned protest in the town spread on social media SOUTHPORT: In contrast to riots across the country during anti-immigration protests, locals turned out in Southport to lay flowers and teddies and blow bubbles Sir Keir said: 'I'm appalled we've been put in this position by the previous government but we will make this work and ensure we have got the places needed to bring the perpetrators to justice.' The PM's official spokesman rejected criticism of the Government's response, saying: 'He convened Cabinet ministers over the weekend and has chaired a COBRA meeting, and the Government whether it's the PM or the Home Secretary have been working around the clock to address the disorder that we've seen over the last few days.' He added that calling in the Armed Forces has not happened because police said they do not need the assistance. PLYMOUTH: A man faces an anti-racism protester during tense stand-offs in Plymouth PLYMOUTH: An anti-immigration protester clashes with anti-racism protesters in Plymouth tonight PLYMOUTH: A man yells at counter-protesters as riot police separate the groups to avoid conflict PLYMOUTH: Police form a barrier separating protesters in the city as tensions simmer Sir Keir Starmer and Elon Musk were last night embroiled in a war of words over the race riots raging in Britain - as the prime minister raged at the billionaire for suggesting 'civil war is inevitable' following days of rioting. Downing Street rebuked the owner of X, formerly Twitter, for using his platform to make the inflammatory claim. The Prime Minister's spokesman said there was 'no justification for comments like that' - as his technology minister met with representatives from social networks, including X, to urge them to act on fighting online hate. A few hours later, Mr Musk the richest man in the world worth more than $200billion criticised Sir Keir directly by responding to a video posted by the PM stressing attacks on mosques and Muslims would not be tolerated. Mr Musk, who has 193million global followers, replied, asking Sir Keir: 'Shouldn't you be concerned about attacks on *all* communities?' Downing Street rebuked Elon Musk, the owner of X, formerly Twitter , for using his platform to claim that 'civil war is inevitable' Yesterday Sir Keir posted a video condemning the violence and warning that criminal justice will be 'ramped up' He added: 'We will not tolerate attacks on mosques or on Muslim communities.' In response, Mr Musk wrote: 'Shouldn't you be concerned about attacks on *all* communities?' Musk had earlier replied to a tweet by right-wing commentator Ashley St Clair, who said far-right rioting was down to 'the effects of mass migration', by suggesting 'civil war is inevitable' The clash came as Cabinet ministers blamed social media for allowing hate and fake news to be spread, leading to violent protests by the far-Right that have seen migrant hotels and mosques attacked in the wake of the Southport stabbings a week ago. Last night hundreds of far-Right activists and anti-racist protesters came face-to-face in Plymouth, where beer bottles, flares and a crutch were flung through the air, leaving police officers injured. And in Birmingham a Sky News van was attacked by a knife-wielding man after members of the Muslim community gathered amid claims far-Right groups would target the Small Heath area. Police have also been warned of alleged plans by far-Right groups to hit dozens of immigration targets across Britain on Wednesday night. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper yesterday claimed social media has put 'rocket boosters' under such groups. Health Secretary Wes Streeting warned that the spread of disinformation online is 'an existential threat to democracy'. He told the Edinburgh Fringe festival: 'We've got to wake up, not just as Britain but as democracies collectively, to what is actually a threat to our democracy, to our national security, to trust in politics, which is already kind of rock bottom anyway.' And Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: 'Responsibility for harmful social media content principally rests with the individuals and groups who create it. 'But it is undeniable that social media has provided a platform for this hate.' The clash came as Cabinet ministers blamed social media for allowing hate and fake news to be spread, leading to violent protests by the far-Right that have seen migrant hotels and mosques attacked in the wake of the Southport stabbings a week ago. Pictured: Far-right protesters in Plymouth on Monday night Police were out in force and detained far-right protesters in Plymouth on Monday night Ministers have said X has helped stoke online hate and refused to delete racist comments while allowing controversial activists such as Tommy Robinson and Andrew Tate back on the platform. Pictured: Protesters in Plymouth BIRMINGHAM: Men gesture to the camera as they stand on a roundabout amid rumours of a far-right gathering PLYMOUTH: Police form a barrier separating protesters in the city as tensions simmer PLYMOUTH: A man yells at counter-protesters as riot police separate the groups to avoid conflict PLYMOUTH: An anti-immigration protester clashes with anti-racism protesters in Plymouth tonight PLYMOUTH: A man faces an anti-racism protester during tense stand-offs in Plymouth SOUTHPORT: In contrast to riots across the country during anti-immigration protests, locals turned out in Southport to lay flowers and teddies and blow bubbles SOUTHPORT: In contrast to riots across the country during anti-immigration protests, locals turned out in Southport to lay flowers and teddies and blow bubbles He held individual meetings with bosses from US-based X, Facebook, Google and TikTok yesterday to make clear their responsibility to 'stop the spread of hateful misinformation and incitement'. No 10 said action taken by the firms so far has not gone far enough. 'There is more that they can and should be doing,' Sir Keir's spokesman said. HUDDERSFIELD: Shops in Huddersfield closed early as claims of a planned protest in the town spread on social media PLYMOUTH: A man is handcuffed and led away by a police officer PLYMOUTH: Police detain a protester as earlier clashes began to turn ugly BIRMINGHAM: Pubgoers screamed as protesters faced off against a man outside - before he was kicked to the floor BIRMINGHAM: Some protesters donned masks to stand on the roundabout - as many have in the riots seen in recent days BIRMINGHAM: Young men, some in masks, gathered outside a McDonald's in Bordesley Green, Birmingham amid rumours of a far-right gathering After the first emergency Cobra meeting about the riots, Downing Street also put online agitators on notice that they will be brought to justice alongside the rioters themselves. 'Anyone who is guilty of criminal behaviour online, anyone who is whipping up violence online, will face the full force of law.' The landmark Online Safety Act passed by the previous government will mean tech giants face multi-million pound fines if they fail to protect users from illegal content such as messages provoking hatred, disorder or violence. But the duties on the firms will not come into force for several months, as regulator Ofcom is still consulting on its codes of practice and guidance. However, the watchdog said platforms can act now rather than waiting for the law to come into force. X has been accused of refusing to delete racist comments while allowing controversial activists such as Tommy Robinson and Andrew Tate back on the platform. The false claim that a Muslim asylum seeker was the suspect in the Southport stabbings was first made on X by a British woman before going viral when it was spread by Russia-linked fake news website Channel3 Now. And, as the Mail revealed, English Defence League founder Mr Robinson was stoking the race riots with a series of video rants on X while he was on holiday in Cyprus. But Mr Musk himself has made at least ten comments about the riots mostly replying to other users and thereby massively increasing their reach. Mr Musk used his X social media site, formerly known as Twitter, on Sunday to reply to a post that blamed 'mass migration and open borders' for unrest in the UK After a prominent account posted a video of rioters setting off fireworks at police and a Right-wing commentator blamed mass migration, Mr Musk replied: 'Civil war is inevitable.' Asked about the remark, Sir Keir's spokesman said: 'There's no justification for comments like that. 'And what we've seen is organised violent thuggery that has no place on our streets or online.' Yesterday Sir Keir posted a video condemning the violence and warning that criminal justice will be 'ramped up'. He added: 'We will not tolerate attacks on mosques or on Muslim communities.' In response, Mr Musk wrote, in a comment that received 70,000 likes and 12,000 reposts in three hours: 'Shouldn't you be concerned about attacks on communities?' The X owner also agreed that UK police 'seem one-sided' in response to a cartoon accusing officers of going soft on violent Islamists. And he added: 'If incompatible cultures are brought together without assimilation, conflict is inevitable.' Expert on online disinformation Dr Marc Owen Jones said: 'Musk is definitely fanning the flames he is clearly contributing to the problem.' X did not respond to requests to comment. His lawyers claim they have 20 more cops on its books Matter was listed for court when the force paid out A police officer who took on his bosses over allegations they were bullies has reached a confidential settlement days before the case was meant to go to trial. Former Victoria Police officer Matthew Cocks had been a career policeman, working his way up through the ranks over more than 30 years. That's before a series of unfortunate events ended his dream job. His end centred around serious allegations of bullying brought against his superiors - and he's not alone in his concerns. In a statement of claim lodged with the County Court of Victoria and obtained by Daily Mail Australia, Victoria Police was accused of no less than 26 breaches of its duty of care amounting to what was described as a 'police tort'. Among those complaints were allegations his superiors made him work excessive hours and then made complaints about his performance. Mr Cocks, who had risen to the rank of Detective Sergeant, claimed he was subjected to humiliation, harassment, ostracism and micro-managed by two senior officers. Furthermore, the experienced officer claimed he had not been offered any counselling by the force and had complaints about his own mental health dismissed. Victoria Police confirmed the matter had 'reached a resolution' but declined comment further. Former Victoria Police Commissioner Kelvin Glare welcomes Matthew Cocks to the ranks in 1988 Mr Cockss lawyer, Arnold Thomas & Becker's Shalyn Mathew, said the former officer's allegations appeared to show the culture at Victoria Police was quite rife with bullying. At present, the firm is pursuing at least 20 matters against Victoria Police for psychological injuries caused by harassment and/or bullying at work. 'All of these allegations appear to show that the culture at Victoria Police is quite rife with this kind of behaviour, and particularly among senior staff members,' she said. 'No one should feel victimised at work. We hope that Victoria Police look at their culture and processes and make real change in this space.' It was the late 80s when Mr Cocks, aged just 20, decided he wanted to serve the Victorian community and become a police officer. But by 2019 he had started to feel the pinch under increasing pressure and dwindling support. He took three months off on sick leave, but when he returned, force command refused to return him his gun and he was placed on administrative duties for the next seven months. 'I thought Id take some mental health leave to clear my thoughts and they didnt let me come back operationally or run a crew when I came back,' he said. 'They were that concerned for my welfare they put me in an office downstairs and no-one came to see me.' A young Matthew Cocks wanted nothing more than to protect and serve his community. But when the time came for his own protection, Victoria Police turned its back on him, he claimed Mr Cocks told Daily Mail Australia he believed his former employer was 'still living in the 1970s' when it came to staff welfare. 'I am happy to have closed this chapter with VicPol and feel that justice has been served,' he said. 'I can now move forward with my life I will focus on spending time with my wife and family and travelling Australia in our van.' While the exact details of the settlement must remain confidential, Ms Mathew told Daily Mail Australia that Mr Cocks was satisfied with the outcome. 'We are pleased with the result of the settlement for Matt. It gives him closure as well as justice which will help him heal from this experience,' she said. The settlement comes off the back of a disturbing survey of emergency services personnel that indicated 60 per cent of those bullied on the job said it was by a manager or supervisor. The People Matters Survey - released in May by the Victorian Public Sector Commission - revealed only 12.8 per cent of staff responded that they were 'satisfied' with how their complaints were handled, the lowest of all industries. It further stated more than half of respondents said they did not report the bullying to a superior because they believed 'there would be negative consequences for my reputation'. Victoria Police also declined to respond to Daily Mail Australia's questions about an alleged culture of bullying within the force. Ms Mathew attributed Mr Cocks's psychological injuries throughout the course of his employment to Victoria Police's ongoing lack of support as well as persistent bullying behaviour toward him. 'The constant bullying and harassment had a great impact on Matthews mental health, and consequently he was unable to continue his employment with Victoria Police,' she said. A woman who accidentally killed her sister during a roadside argument and then drove off has complained about her lot in life since the incident. Asyai Luk, now aged 24, was charged with dangerous driving causing death and failing to stop and render assistance over the November 2022 hit and run in Sunshine, in Melbourne's west. But a sweetheart plea deal could see her walk with not so much as a criminal conviction. The learner driver fronted the County Court of Victoria on Monday for a pre-sentence hearing. Luk was behind the wheel when her sister, Anong Luk, 24, was dragged and pinned between two vehicles in Sunshine. Footage captured from across the street and seen by Daily Mail Australia showed the shocking moment Anong hit against a parked vehicle on the street. She is seen jumping immediately to her feet, seemingly uninjured, before dashing across the street where she collapsed and died. It is understood her younger sister was under the impression she hadn't been seriously hurt in the incident, driving off unaware she was critically injured. It was alleged Asyai Luk (pictured outside court on Monday) was driving an SUV and accelerated when Anong Luk was trying to get inside. She was facing trial before a prosecution backflip Anong Luk (pictured), 24, died when she was pinned between two cars in what was initially treated as an alleged hit and run In June, Luk pleaded guilty to the summary charges of careless driving and driving as a learner without an experienced adult driver. On Monday, her barrister Kyle McDonald did his best to convince Judge Kellie Blair that his client not only didn't deserve a conviction, but shouldn't be fined either. In a pleading letter penned to the judge, Luk complained about the shame and anxiety she had experienced in her local community due to media reporting on the matter. She told judge the backlash from the reporting had been 'devastating' and she now suffered from sleeplessness, fear, loss of appetite and struggled to maintain focus. It had also impacted on her socially, she complained. Crown prosecutor Peter Pickering said such complaints were common among those facing justice for crimes they had committed. 'Sadly I'm not surprised,' he said. 'It shows the consequences for her.' The matter had been set to go to trial before prosecutors withdrew the majority of its charges against Luk. It remains unclear why the prosecution decided to withdraw its case just before trial. Asyai Luk faced a media storm when she left the County Court of Victoria in June alongside her lawyer George Balot (left) Asyai Lu has pleaded guilty to two minor road traffic offences that ought see her escape with nothing more than a fine The court heard Luk had no business being behind the wheel without an experienced supervisor. Only months earlier she had been suspended from driving for three months after she was clocked driving more than 25kmh over the speed limit. On the day her sister died she had been driving around unsupervised for hours. In asking for his client to be released on a good behaviour bond without conviction, Mr McDonald claimed the now single mum could struggle to find work should a conviction be recorded. He reiterated his client's claims that she had suffered from the media attention and argued the general public would 'get the message' not to do as she had done via letting her walk from court on a bond. 'The court can achieve the purpose of sentencing with a good behaviour bond,' he said. But Mr Pickering claimed anything other than a conviction would send the wrong message to would be learner driver's who had similar intentions. 'People must see this as a warning,' he said. Judge Blair said she needed time to contemplate her sentence, which she will now deliver on Wednesday. Anong Luk was allegedly dragged along High Street by the black car before her head hit the front bumper bar of a white Jeep (pictured) parked nearby Outside court, Luk's lawyer George Balot, of Balot Reilly Criminal Lawyers, said his client still struggled with the loss of her sister. 'My client continues to mourn the loss of her her beloved late sister. It was by all accounts a freak accident,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'She is understandably devastated.' In August, Luk's previous lawyer had argued his client's charges should be dropped as the incident was a 'freakish occurrence' and an accident that neither sister could have foreseen. 'She got caught in the door unexpectedly,' defence barrister Peter Morrissey said then. But the prosecution argued she should be committed to stand trial as the 24-year-old died in the context of a heated argument and Luk had sped off with a car door open. Both sides had differing interpretations of videos from the scene. Magistrate Brett Sonnet found the videos were 'subject to different interpretations' and decided Luk should stand trial. 'Ms Luk you're directed to stand trial in the County Court,' he told the court then. The black SUV (pictured) was captured on CCTV driving down High Street after the collision The magistrates' court had heard Anong, known as Gol, had tried to get out of the vehicle being driven by her sister when the black SUV accelerated and dragged the victim along the road before crushing her against a parked Jeep. The two sisters had been involved in a verbal and physical altercation in the car before Luk got out to get help from residents, the court heard. 'The accused returned to the driver side of the vehicle and continued with a verbal altercation with their sister,' the prosecutor alleged in court then. The court heard the sister was 'kicked out' of the car and tried to get back in the vehicle in a 'distressed' state when Luk allegedly drove off. The vehicle travelled a short distance before colliding with a white Nossan Patrol parked nearby. Anong was taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital with serious head injuries but later died. The girls' mother, Aleza Gwit, said her oldest daughter Gol was 'always there for me, checking on me and saying 'mum I love you' or 'I did your dishes' just to make me happy'. 'She (Luk) called me like mum she (her sister) got out of the car and she's angry... I don't know exactly what happened,' Ms Gwit told Nine News. Elegant and discrete, she is much loved by the Royal Family - as was clear when she almost died in a major car accident in 2017. Sophie Winkleman was left with life threatening injuries when her chauffer-driven car was struck by another vehicle after the driver swerved to avoid a deer. However, the British actress-turned-royal, who turns 44 today, was hugely supported by King Charles - then the Prince of Wales - and the late Queen Elizabeth. Sophie, who is married to Prince Michael of Kent's son, Lord Frederick Windsor, revealed in an interview with Tatler last year how the Queen had offered her use of the pool at Buckingham Palace to help aid her recovery. For three days after the crash, Peep Show star Sophie did not know if she would be paralysed. In the end, she broke her foot and two bones in her back. Sophie Winkleman laughing with Princess Beatrice and King Charles at Royal Ascot earlier this year The couple pictured together attending the seventh day of Wimbledon in July Sophie with her husband Lord Frederick 'Freddie' Windsor at Ascot Racecourse last year She told how after a year of physiotherapy she was still 'in so much pain, it wasn't working'. But the Queen's kind offer helped Sophie to heal. She said: 'That's the reason I got better. It was so typically thoughtful'. The gestures of goodwill did not stop there, Charles - who Sophie has described as a 'very dear friend' - also supplied her family with two meals a day cooked by his Clarence House chef. Sophie's husband has had a difficult year. In February, his brother-in-law Thomas Kingston - the husband of his sister Lady Gabriella Windsor - took his own life at his parents' home. Sophie was born on August 5, 1980 in Primrose Hill, London, to her publisher father Barry Winkleman and mother Cindy Black, an author. She is the half-sister of presenter Claudia Winkleman. Sophie pictured with her husband and in laws Prince Michael of Kent an Princess Michael of Kent The couple married in 2009 in the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace in Surrey Actress Sophie (right) pictured on Two and a Half Men as Zoey, with Judy Greer and Ashton Kutcher Sophie previously revealed how she and her sister had 'very separate lives' as children because Claudia, who is nine years her senior, lived with her mother, former newspaper editor Eve Pollard. Sophie met her husband, who is 53rd in line in line to the throne and second cousin to King Charles, during a night out in Soho and the pair wed at Hampton Court Palace in 2009. The guests included senior members of the Royal Family, as well as Claudia. Sophie wore a silk gown with a sweetheart neckline made by Anna Bystrova from Roza Couture, favourite designer of her new mother-in-law, Princess Michael of Kent's. The dress featured hand-embellished sequins, beads and crystals, and a three-metre train. Sophie shares a father - publisher Barry Winkleman - with her half-sister, celebrity presenter Claudia Winkleman King Charles and Sophie pictured together at Royal Ascot last year They have two daughters together - Maud Elizabeth Daphne Marina and Isabella Alexandra May. Cambridge-educated Sophie and Lord Frederick moved to Los Angeles the day after their wedding and spent seven years there so Sophie could continue her acting work. She had a recurring role as 'Big Suze' in hit TV comedy Peep Show. Sophie also portrayed the girlfriend of Ashton Kutcher's character Walden in US sitcom Two and a Half Men. She has also had roles in Death in Paradise, Sanditon and This is Going to Hurt. At Wimbledon this year, Sophie wore a radiant yellow belted dress as she attended with her husband As his wife has continued her roles on screen, Lord Frederick has worked as an executive for the bank JP Morgan. Sophie and her husband recently enjoyed an outing at Wimbledon. She looked radiant in a yellow belted dress. The 770 Edie Lemon frock came from British designer Beulah London - a favourite brand of the Princess of Wales. Her husband opted for a classic British summer look in white trousers and black blazer with a pink tie. Growing up, most of us learned that Earth is home to seven continents. But it may be time to rewrite the geography textbooks, as a controversial study now claims there are actually only six continents. Researchers from the University of Derby say that the break-up of the European and North American continents is still ongoing. Dr Jordan Phethean, an author of the study, said: 'The discovery indicates that the North America and Eurasian tectonic plates have not yet actually broken apart, as is traditionally thought to have happened 52 million years ago. 'They are, in fact, still stretching and in the process of breaking apart.' Growing up, most of us learned that Earth is home to seven continents. But it may be time to rewrite the geography textbooks, as a controversial study now claims there are actually only six continents The new study focused on the formation of Iceland, which is located between the Greenland Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean The new study focused on the formation of Iceland, which is located between the Greenland Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. Until now, it was widely believed that Iceland formed around 60 million years ago when the mid-Atlantic ridge the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates started to give way, creating a hot mantle plume that formed into a volcanic island. However, in their new study, the team challenged this theory. By analysing the movement of the tectonic plates in Africa, the researchers now suggest that Iceland and the Greenland Iceland Faroes Ridge (GIFR) also contain pieces of lost and submerged fragments from both the European and North American continents. They're calling this newly-recognised feature a 'Rifted Oceanic Magmatic Plateau', or ROMP for short. 'I like to think of this concept as the Earth Science equivalent of finding the Lost City of Atlantis; fragments of lost continent submerged beneath the sea and kilometres of thin lava flows,' Dr Phethean explained. 'By studying the evolution of rifting in the volcanic Afra region in Africa and comparing this to the behaviour of the Earth in Iceland, we are able to see that these two regions are evolving in very similar ways.' Until now, it was widely believed that Iceland formed around 60 million years ago when the mid-Atlantic ridge the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates started to give way, creating a hot mantle plume that formed into a volcanic island If the researchers are right, this means that the break-up of the European and North American continents is still ongoing. Scientifically speaking, this would mean North America and Europe could be classed as one, and not two continents. 'While it is controversial to suggest that the GIFR contains a large amount of continental crust within it, and that the European and North American tectonic plates have perhaps not yet officially broken up, our findings suggest this is the case,' Dr Phethean added. The findings are still conceptual, but the researchers now plan to explore the volcanic rocks in Iceland for more concrete evidence of ancient continental crust. They are also undertaking plate tectonic modelling of the region, and will use computer simulations to try and model the ROMP formation. The news comes shortly after Dr Phethean was part of a research team that discovered a new 'proto-microcontinent' hiding between Canada and Greenland, believed to have formed 60 million years ago. The proto-microcontinent is 250-miles long about the same size as England and currently sits below the Davis Strait, which connects the Labrador Sea in the south with Baffin Bay to the north. 'Rifting and microcontinent formation are an ongoing phenomena,' said Dr Phethean. 'The discovery of the Davis Straight proto-microcontinent allows us to better understand the process by which microcontinents form, which in turn tells us more about how plate tectonics operates on Earth. 'This can allow scientists to better predict where useful resources might be found, how the Earth might look millions of years into the future, and how plate tectonics operated in Earth's early history, as well as the role it might have played in the development of life.' 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. Millions of Americans' personal information was obtained by hackers after a cyberattack on a major health finance company. A total of 4.3m users' names, addresses, health history and social security numbers to dangerous actors were obtained after the attack on HealthEquity. Hackers accessed the information through an unnamed third-party vendor that had access to HealthEquitys Microsoft Sharepoint data, which allows companies to create and store important files and customers' full profile information. The newest attack could prompt a wave of data breaches, financial fraud and identity theft using the information collected from customers accounts. A HealthEquity data breach has put 4.3 million American users information at risk, leaving them wondering what information may have been leaked The data breach occurred in March 2024 but according to a new filing, HealthEquity didnt confirm its system was breached until June 26, more than three months after the accounts were targeted. The company told DailyMail.com that it could only publicly disclose the security event after it completed its investigation. HealthEquity provides health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, health reimbursement arrangements and 401(k) retirement plans to its 15.7 million customers. The company claimed hackers used compromised credentials from a third-party vendor to access the information and has currently disabled all accounts that may have been breached. A HealthEquity spokesperson told DailyMail.com: We have taken immediate, proactive and prudent action since we first discovered an anomaly with our third-party vendor. This included quickly resolving the issue, bringing together a team of outside and internal experts to investigate, and preparing for a response. HealthEquity has reportedly disabled all accounts that may have been impacted, blocked all IP addresses linked to the hackers and added a global password reset to its systems. The investigation into the attack is still ongoing and HealthEquity customers will be notified by mail or email if they were impacted - depending on the contact preference listed on their account. The investigation into the attack is still ongoing and HealthEquity customers will be notified by mail or email if they were impacted - depending on the contact preference listed on their account So far, the company said it isnt aware of any actual or attempted misuse of information, but has formally filed a notification with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which wasnt required, but represents our concern and commitment to transparent communication, the spokesperson said. We regret the inconvenience caused by the incident and are working to minimize disruption while also taking steps to help prevent this from happening in the future. Although the exposed data was linked to Microsoft software, HealthEquity told TechCrunch it was an isolated incident and wasnt related to the recent spate of Snowflake breaches where hackers stole millions of customer records from major corporations including banks, healthcare providers and tech companies. Snowflake is a similar platform that allows businesses to store all company and customer data in one place. HealthEquitys breach impacted customers across the US including Ohio, New York, and Oregon. According to a data breach filing by the office of the Maine Attorney General, consumers should expect to receive written notification by the end of this week if their data was stolen. HealthEquity reported it is currently monitoring accounts, credit identity information, and restoration services and has advised customers to protect themselves from identity theft by placing a fraud alert on their credit file. This will stop dangerous actors from opening new credit accounts in your name and can be set up for free through Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. DailyMail.com has reached out to HealthEquity for comment. From a wacky spacecraft theme to an outdoor bedroom under the stars, one pair of travel experts have opened the doors to four of the 'craziest' vacation rentals in California. Kara and Nate Buchanan, from Nashville, Tennessee, set out on a mission to visit four off-the-wall properties dotted around the Joshua Tree desert to mark their 11-year wedding anniversary. In in YouTube film documenting their adventure, they give a thorough guide to each of the properties before hitting the road again. They start at the famous Kellogg Doolittle House, which was inspired by dinosaur fossils, and the duo describe more of an 'art piece' as opposed to a home. Scroll down to learn more about this property - which comes in at a staggering $6,500 a night - and the other three spots Kara and Nate tested. Kellogg Doolittle House The quirky so-called Desert House on the edge of Joshua Tree National Park was designed by Kendrick Bangs Kellogg In total, the abode features three bedrooms and three bathrooms, with slick, minimalist-styled interiors running throughout Kara and Nate tell viewers in their YouTube tour, that while the home 'looks crazy from above,' the 'details inside might be even more impressive' Inside they reveal that the abode was inspired by dinosaur fossils and there are 'lots of things... that look like skeletons or vertebras or bones' The quirky so-called Desert House on the edge of Joshua Tree National Park was designed by Kendrick Bangs Kellogg, an architect who is known for his bold and pioneering designs, and completed after a five-year build in 1993. In total, the abode features three bedrooms and three bathrooms, with slick, minimalist-styled interiors running throughout. Kara and Nate tell viewers in their YouTube tour, that while the home 'looks crazy from above,' the 'details inside might be even more impressive.' Inside they reveal that the abode was inspired by dinosaur fossils and there are 'lots of things... that look like skeletons or vertebras or bones.' There are also boulders integrated into the structure, with panes of glass and walls built to accommodate the desert rocks. But one of the couple's favorite features is one of the bedrooms which features a 14ft wide circular bed. The Desert House was available on Airbnb for $6,500 a night but has since been removed. Those interested in staying there are now directed to a dedicated website at www.kelloggdoolittlehouse.com. Mars Hangar Seeking an out of this world experience, the couple checked into a hangar near Joshua Tree National park, fashioned after a spaceship As they give a tour of the four-bedroom shelter, the couple say how they are 'obsessed' with the futuristic interiors Details include two pod sleeping chambers, colored LED lights in the bedrooms and kitchen and Stormtroopers positioned in the living room Seeking an out of this world experience, the couple checked into a hangar near Joshua Tree National park, fashioned after a spaceship. As they give a tour of the four-bedroom shelter, the couple say how they are 'obsessed' with the futuristic interiors. Details include two-pod sleeping chambers, colored LED lights in the bedrooms and kitchen as well as Stormtroopers positioned in the living room. Moving outside, the duo showcase the huge backyard, complete with a 'super cute patio area, hanging lights, fire pit... hot tub and a bunch of hammocks.' There is also a large above ground pool. At night, after watching TV on the big screen, the couple give the sleeping capsules a whirl. Nate tells viewers that the pods were pretty wide to sleep in with LEDs on the ceiling and he gave the mattress his seal of approval. The Mars hangar is currently available for just under $400 a night on Airbnb. Invisible House Another unique property the couple landed upon is California's famed 'Invisible House' Designed by film producers Chris and Roberta Hanley, the 5,500sqft home is constructed out of mirrored panels which reflect the desert landscape Highlights include contemporary bedrooms and bathrooms with prime desert views, a 100ft indoor pool, an open plan kitchen area and a TV on wheels so it can be positioned freely That night, the couple celebrate their anniversary by attempting to watch a movie while laying on floaties in the pool Another unique property the couple landed upon is California's famed 'Invisible House.' Designed by film producers Chris and Roberta Hanley, the 5,500sqft home is constructed out of mirrored panels which reflect the desert landscape. As they arrive at the unusual rental, Kara exclaims: 'Oh my gosh. It's way bigger than it looked... it's massive!' After entering the property, she continues: 'This place is nuts, it's unique, it's funky... extremely impractical to live in full-time but very exciting to live in for 24 hours.' Highlights include contemporary bedrooms and bathrooms with prime desert views, a 100ft indoor pool, an open plan kitchen area and a TV on wheels so it can be positioned freely. Kara seems to be wooed by the kitchen, describing it as the kitchen 'of my dreams.' She continues: 'Look at all of this counter space! When you live in a van [like we do], you come to appreciate stuff like this. It's huge!' That night, the couple celebrate their anniversary by attempting to watch a movie while laying on floaties in the pool. The Invisible House starts from just over $2,500 a night on Airbnb, and it can accommodate eight guests. Boulder-filled Paradise For a true desert experience, Kara and Nate checked into a Airbnb with an outdoor bed Despite it being open air, they note in their tour that the spot has a private feeling with giant boulders strewn around and it even comes with a fire pit and hot tub While they attempt to make it work for a night's stay, they get too cold and they end up sleeping in the rental's accompanying cabin They gave the cozy cabin a big thumbs up and said that they especially liked the garage which had been converted into a pool room For a true desert experience, Kara and Nate checked into a Airbnb with an outdoor bed. Despite it being open air, they note in their tour that the spot has a private feeling with giant boulders strewn around and it even comes with a fire pit and hot tub. While they attempt to make it work for a night's stay, they get too cold and they end up sleeping in the rental's accompanying cabin. Nate tells viewers: 'So it turns out the bed came with an entire house. 'I promise we had all intentions of sleeping out there last night but we woke up at midnight and it was absolutely freezing and there was a nice warm bed waiting for us inside.' They gave the cozy cabin a big thumbs up and said that they especially liked the garage which had been converted into a pool room. High West House: A Boulder Filled Paradise starts from just under $600 a night on Airbnb. After sailing along the River Thames to Greenwich, Viking raiders pelted the Archbishop of Canterbury with cow bones before delivering a fatal blow to the head. Fortunately, 1,000 years later, my daughter, Amy, and I receive a much warmer welcome from Viking Mars crew. And after a 10-minute check-in at Greenwich Pier, we board the 930-guest ship moored on the Thames ahead of our Into The Midnight Sun cruise to Norway. Champagne is waiting in our balcony suite to celebrate Amys 40th birthday, and a cabin steward calls in to say mini-bar drinks and the ironing service are complimentary, so we empty the contents of our cases and get them freshly pressed. Lovely. We set about exploring this elegant, adults-only ship where light pours into the grand double-height atrium. Guests lounge on sofas draped with throws, reading, and listening to the pianist while waiters bring drinks. We stop for coffee, check our schedule and head to Mamsens snack bar for Norwegian open sandwiches piled with salmon and prawns. At the midnight sailaway, tea clipper Cutty Sark and Christopher Wrens Old Royal Naval College are bathed in a silver glow and we point out landmarks to overseas guests. Cruise expert Lesley Bellew boards the Viking Mars for an 'Into the Midnight Sun' cruise from Greenwich Pier to Norway's fjords. Pictured above, a Viking cruise ship eases through the Unesco-listed Geirangerfjord On board the ship, Lesley (left) finds 'champagne waiting' in her balcony suite to celebrate her daughter Amy's (right) 40th birthday In Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands, our guide Paul (jporkney.co.uk) delights Amy, a pastry chef, with a visit to Barony Mill, one of the UKs oldest working ancient grain mills. We leave with two bags of flour to test our luggage allowance on the return from Bergen Airport. On Shetland, we watch seals basking on a white sand beach and wildlife spotting continues near Honningsvag, in northern Norway, where thousands of puffins turn the sea black targets for circling white-tailed sea eagles. On the Arctic tundra, Amy trumps me, seeing an albino reindeer which the indigenous Sami people consider the magical leader of all reindeer. 'In Kirkwall (pictured above), the capital of the Orkney Islands, our guide Paul delights Amy, a pastry chef, with a visit to Barony Mill, one of the UKs oldest working ancient grain mills,' says Lesley 'On Shetland, we watch seals basking on a white sand beach,' Lesley adds. Above - Atlantic grey seals on the Scottish coast TRAVEL FACTS A 14-night Into The Midnight Sun cruise departs Greenwich on June 9, 2025 and costs from 5,990pp including Bergen return flight, an excursion in each port, wifi and tips (viking.com) Advertisement Were feeling the magic when waking up in Tromso, overlooking the fjord and Arctic Cathedral, but its the husky puppies on Kvaloya Island that steal our hearts. A dynasty of Vikings once lived off the rich pickings of Norwegian cod in the Lofoten Islands, where we see the fish hanging on wooden racks to dry in the sun. Temperatures are 20C-plus and although it cools at night, theres 24-hour light to savour views. Dining in the restaurants on Viking Mars is free and so too are the wine, beer and soft drinks. To work off the calories we take walks around the deck and Amy opts to kayak in Unesco-listed Geirangerfjord while I wallow in the infinity pool. One night, we hit the jackpot sailing near Bodo, when the palest of blue skies fades to gold and a rainbow arches over the sea. We are spellbound by what the Vikings believed to be a burning bridge between Earth and the land of the gods. Viking legends have been woven through our journey but Amy tells me this is her birthday pot of gold, and her happiness is certainly mine. The tiny Greek island of Santorini draws in thousands of tourists every single day, making it notoriously difficult to get the perfect picture of the holiday hotspot's iconic architecture and stunning views. Videos showing hordes of holidaymakers queueing through the streets of the island's main towns have gone viral, prompting warnings from local tour guides that its 'overcrowded' reputation is deterring people from staying on the island. But pictures have also been circulating of popular parts of the island - including the capital Fira and clifftop village Oia - completely deserted, in what is meant to be high season. British tourists who visited Santorini recently have now shared their top tips to beat the crowds, enjoy unspoilt views, and get the Cycladic island's famous whitewashed streets to yourself. One holidaymaker who stayed there at the beginning of July told MailOnline that she and her partner did their research before heading out to Greece in order to dodge the crowds. The island's iconic blue domes are a favourite attraction for tourists - but usually hard to get a picture of without crowds of people visible Empty streets on the island, captured by a tourist who got up early to beat the crowds Shops and restaurants sit empty on a street in Santorini - which has become known for its huge crowds They had been keen to visit all the famous sites, including the famous and much-photographed blue domes of St. Gerasimos in the capital Fira. 'After speaking to lots of people where we were [going to be] staying and on various forums, they all said the same thing... go early to avoid the cruise ships,' she said. With passengers from disembarking up to seven cruise ships every day from around 8am, it is best if you are already staying on land to get straight to the sites first thing. The traveller said she and her partner visited the domes at 8am and was delighted to find there was 'hardly anyone' there - as shown in their pictures of the spot. But, she said, come 10am there were already 'lots of people around'. Even by that time, she said, there was 'a lot of rubbish' and a huge a large queue. The other main attraction the island offers - staggering views of sunsets over the Aegean sea - also sees scores of tourists pile into prime locations to get the best photos. The husband and wife said their tactic to avoid the crowds - while also getting a good vantage point - was to go out on a boat. The suggestion is understandable after pictures of tourists lining up along cliff paths - often precariously craning to get photos without anyone else in them - have swept the internet. As a result, many holidaymakers are starting to turn to quieter - but equally picturesque - parts of the island to ensure their holiday is memorable for the views rather than the crowds. Katie Haslam from Rochdale said that she and her husband decided to have their honeymoon on Santorini, but away from Fira, which they had heard was 'really, really busy'. Instead, they stayed in a clifftop village a few kilometres out, which she told CNN Travel was 'amazing, lovely and quiet.' Empty streets in late June in a picture taken by a tourist early in the morning She said they avoided the scrum in town and 'sat on our balcony every night at 8 o'clock with a bottle of wine. It was absolutely magical.' Of the record 32.7 million people who visited Greece last year, around 3.4 million, or one in 10, went to the island of just 15,500 residents. In Oia's narrow streets, residents have put up signs urging visitors to respect their home. 'RESPECT... It's your holiday... but it's our home,' read a purple sign from the Save Oia group. 'It is a lovely place, however with lots of people I can understand why they want to restrict the numbers,' a holidaymaker told MailOnline. She added that some tourists are just 'plain disrespectful to the property owned by locals,' with many simply ignoring signs saying 'private' all 'to get the right photo'. A video shared by one tourist in late July shows the streets of Oia all but deserted This footage of Oia was seemingly taken before an influx of visitors arrived Locals and officials have warned that the island is being swamped, with some 17,000 tourists are expected to arrive each day in the peak holiday season. 'We need to set limits if we don't want to sink under overtourism,' Santorini mayor Nikos Zorzos said. 'There must not be a single extra bed... whether in the large hotels or Airbnb rentals.' But others, including one tour guide and long-time resident, have said that the issue is not 'overtourism', but the lack of infrastructure to deal with the sudden influx of people coming off cruise ships. 'The truth is that the island is empty. Right now is like never before, it's the worst season ever,' said Gianluca Chimenti, a local tour operator who has lived in Santorini for 18 years. Put off by videos of huge queues of cruise ship passengers and visitors shuffling through the streets in the hot sun, would-be tourists are opting to avoid staying on the island for long periods, he claimed. He said: 'The problem is that the social media is showing something completely different from what is the reality.' Shocking videos show the crowded streets in Santorini with hordes of tourists packed onto the tiny island Despite July and August being high season on the island, town centres are reportedly dead in many areas after 9pm. Many of those who are flocking to the island's main attractions are cruise ship passengers, with Santorini a key stop on Greek cruises' itineraries. When the crowds are gone, Chimenti says, 'the hotels right now are more or less under 30 per cent of a normal season.' Video shared by one tourist in late July appears to show the streets of Oia all but deserted - with the footage seemingly taken before an influx of visitors arrived. While they are empty in this footage, the famous cliff-top viewing spot in the picturesque village sees tourists queuing up for 20 minutes or more as they hope to snap the perfect Instagram shot. Separate footage shared by a tour guide shows hundreds of passengers lining up with suitcases to get on a ship off the volcanic island. Hundreds of tourists perch on the steep hills in Santorini twatch and photograph the famed sunset on July 25, 2024 Hundreds of tourists gather at the village of Oia, Santorini, to watch the sunset, on July 20 Late into the 20th century, Santorini was a sleepy idyll where most locals profited more off agriculture than tourism. Visitor numbers grew from the 1960s as it gained a reputation for its stunning views and iconic architecture - but development on the island failed to keep pace. 'Overtourism doesn't exist. What I see is a lack of structures,' Chimenti said. But a councillor recently sparked anger when he urged residents in a since-deleted Facebook post to stay at home and avoid the surge of tourists he said authorities expected to arrive. 'Another difficult day for our city and island is ahead with the arrival of 17,000 visitors from cruise ships. We ask for your attention: limit your movements as much as possible,' he said. Residents criticised the councillor's request, with one commenting on social media: '[He] officially asks locals to lock themselves at home, so that tourists can wander around free. Marvelous.' Huge crowds are drawn to the island each year, straining life for Santorini's locals Shocking images from the picturesque island show masses of tourists queuing on narrow walkways along white buildings with the famous sea-blue domes for the best holiday shots Tourists leave after viewing Santorini's sunset from the Castle of Oia, on Santorini, Greece Chimenti suggested that cruise operators should organise tours to other parts of the island and coordinate others so people are not all piling into the same areas at the same time. Cruisecritic, a Tripadvisor company, says that up to seven cruise ships can dock simultaneously on the island, which means that they could bring over 14,000 passengers if at full capacity. In 2023, 800 cruise ships brought some 1.3 million passengers, according to the Hellenic Ports Association. Lila Moss packed on the PDA with her boyfriend Yoni Helbitz during a romantic beach day on holiday in Ibiza on Saturday. The loved-up couple are currently soaking up the sun in the Balearics with her supermodel mother Kate Moss, 50. Kate's lookalike daughter Lila cosied up in Yoni's arms as they took a dip in the ocean to cool off. Lila and Yoni, 23, who have been dating for roughly a year, looked stronger than ever on their fun-filled European getaway. Kate gatecrashed the couple's intimate trip as she joined in on the beach fun and strolled along the beach. Lila Moss, 21, packed on the PDA with her boyfriend Yoni Helbitz, 23, during a romantic beach day on holiday in Ibiza on Saturday The loved-up couple are currently soaking up the sun in the Balearics with her supermodel mother Kate Moss, 50 Lila and Yoni, who have been dating for roughly a year, looked stronger than ever on their fun-filled European getaway Kate's lookalike daughter Lila cosied up in Yoni's arms as they took a dip in the ocean to cool off Lila is the daughter of Kate and Dazed Media CEO Jefferson Hack, 52, who Kate was in a relationship with in the early 2000s. In August 2023, MailOnline exclusively revealed that Lila's boyfriend was Yoni, with the pair seen out in London frequently together over the past few months. A source confirmed the couple, who were first pictured together as friends two years ago, have been dating for around a year. Yoni's official job title is e-commerce coordinator/ fashion marketer for fashion brand Self Portrait. Before that, he worked as an e-commerce co-ordinator for James Lakeland Ltd and he also had a six months stint as an estate agent. The happy couple had kept their romance relatively under wraps, yet Instagram posts by Yoni reveal they have been enjoying each other's company for quite some time. The fashion marketer's page features several snaps of himself enjoying dinner dates and days out with Lila amid their blossoming romance. Though Yoni is happy to share images of his famous girlfriend on social media, Lila keeps her page relatively professional. Kate (M) gatecrashed the couple's intimate trip as she joined in on the beach fun In August 2023, MailOnline exclusively revealed that Lila's boyfriend was Yoni, with the pair seen out in London frequently together over the past few months Yoni showed off his ripped body as Lila cooled off in the ocean A source confirmed the pair, who were first pictured together as friends two years ago, have been dating for around a year Yoni spent quality time with Lila's mother Kate on their fun-filled trip Kate looked incredible as she stepped out the sea with Yoni Yoni and Lila looked smitten during their relaxing break away The couple larked around in the sea Lila laid in her boyfriends arm as she swirled around the ocean After a fun day at the beach Yoni and Lila headed off for some drinks at the beach bar Kate joined in on the fun as they dried off after a dip in the water Lila's modelling career is flourishing, and her latest high profile shoot with Interview Magazine in April sees the rising star in a series of edgy looks. Lila's friend, influencer Devon Lee Carlson, interviewed her for the piece, and was keen to know if she always wanted to follow her mother into fashion. 'I used to want to be a teacher. Being around children makes you more fun and silly,' Lila confessed. While she was keen on taking a different path in her career, Lila admitted she has had a love of fashion since she was tiny, recalling how she and her school friends used to create their own magazines for her mum Kate. 'Me and Iris would make magazines together. I was always into it. Wed dress up, do a photo shoot, put it together in a Word document, and print it,' she laughed. Emulating her father, Dazed & Confused publisher Jefferson Hack, Lila added: 'Actually, we made it to give to my mom for her birthday. So theres a copy somewhere.' And Lila had the perfect closet to raid to inspire her, as she added: 'I was always dressing up in my moms closet.' 'I also looked up to my mom in the sense that Id want her black vests from Saint Laurent, or Id wear black leggings and all black and gray. I was so particular from day one.' 'We were actually talking yesterday, me and my mom, about how all the arguments we had when I was younger were about clothes and me not wanting to wear white socks.' Lila has long been compared to her famous mother with their similar striking looks and slender frames. And she is certainly discovering it pays to resemble one of the world's biggest supermodels as she has nearly tripled her earnings in one year. Accounts for Lila's own company Grace Grove Ltd, published recently, reveal her pay check jumped from 129,458 in 2022 to 359,433 in 2023. It is is evidence of a very successful year for Lila after she fronted campaigns for the likes of Pepe Jeans, an international denim brand based on Portobello Road in Notting Hill. Christine Lakin says she suspects her participation in a 2012 clip pushing back on Kirk Cameron's views on the LGBTQ community cost her a role on his sister Candace Cameron Bure's Netflix series Fuller House years later. The Dallas native, 45, explained the series of events on the podcast How Rude, Tanneritos, which is hosted by Cameron Bure's Fuller House costars Jodie Sweetin, 42, and Andrea Barber, 48. 'It was a bummer for me - it really was,' Lakin said of missing out on the opportunity to appear on Fuller House, which ran for five seasons on Netflix from 20162020. Lakin, who played the role of Alicia 'Al' Lambert on the ABC series Step by Step from 19911998, was a part of a group of one-time child actors who formed a group called Child Celebrities Opposing Kirk Cameron in April of 2012. The group formed after the Growing Pains star called homosexuality 'unnatural' and said same-sex marriages are 'detrimental' in a CNN interview. Christine Lakin, 45, says she suspects her participation in a 2012 clip pushing back on Kirk Cameron's views on the LGBTQ community cost her a role on his sister Candace Cameron Bure's Netflix series Fuller House years later. Pictured in LA in 2023 Candace Cameron Bure, 48, and brother Kirk Cameron, 53, pictured together in 2018 Lakin, who has worked extensively as a voice actor on shows such as Family Guy and Clarence, was joined in the clip by fellow performers such as Maureen Flannigan, Kenn Michael, Keith Coogan, Josie Davis, Brice Beckham and Jeremy Licht in denouncing the aforementioned views expressed by Kirk Cameron. Lakin said on the podcast that 'seven years before' the Fuller House opportunity came about, she 'participated in a Funny or Die video.' Lakin said that 'at the time, [Kirk] Cameron had said some public things about the LGBTQ community,' and she 'thought those were potentially very damaging to the LGBTQ community.' Lakin said she had been 'asked to participate with a bunch of other former child actors in this satirical video, sort of calling out these statements,' adding, 'It was funny - listen, it was a satire, you know?' Lakin said that she had been slated to play a role on Fuller House - in which Cameron Bure reprised her role of D.J. Tanner-Fuller - when the role was abruptly pulled off the table. 'Then about two days before the table read, I got a call from my manager saying, "Yes, something happened - theyre pushing the table read - I think theres some stuff with the script they want to rewrite,"' she said. 'The next day happened and my manager calls and says, "Hey, I dont know how to tell you this, but youve been let go."' Lakin said she asked for clarification, and her agent said that the character was going to be rewritten 'and theyre not going to need you anymore.' Lakin said, 'I was like, "What did I do wrong?" I didnt even go to a table read.' Lakin said she thinks Cameron Bure (pictured in April in NYC) was instrumental in her ouster from the rebooted sitcom based off her past involvement in the clip aimed at Kirk Cameron Lakin said that she had been slated to play a role on Fuller House when the role was abruptly pulled off the table Lakin said her agent told her of the Netflix show, 'Theyre not going to need you anymore' Lakin said in looking back on the series of events, she thinks Cameron Bure was instrumental in her ouster from the rebooted sitcom based off her past involvement in the clip aimed at Kirk Cameron. 'All I can think of is that it created some bad blood,' Lakin said. 'And seven years later, I was not, my presence was not wanted - thats maybe what I think.' The role that Lakin was up for, a character named CJ Harbenberger, eventually went to Lakin's friend Virginia Williams, who appeared on 11 episodes of the show. Fuller House was a sequel series to Full House, which aired on ABC from 1987 to 1995; Fuller House aired from 2016 to 2020. Jett Kenny has seemingly called off a potential proposal with his girlfriend Lily Brown. Popular Instagram account Influencer Updates shared some photos from Jett, 30, and Lily's, 26, holiday to Hawaii and revealed how an ill-fated trip up the Stairway to Heaven hiking trail ended in relationship disaster. 'A very hungover Lily Brown attempted to climb the Stairway To Heaven in Hawaii today,' the account wrote. 'She made it half way and turned back around. Jett then teased he was going to propose at the top but now can't.' The comments included posts from Lily's Instagram Stories, with the influencer explaining she was a little under the weather for the romantic hiking trip. 'Update made it half way, started dry reaching, admitted defeat, walked back down, spewed in my mouth, cried because I quit,' Lily wrote. Continuing, Lilly revealed her 'condition' may have scuttled the couple's chances at wedded bliss. 'Just to make things worse, Jett decided to throw in "what if I was going to propose at the top" to lighten the mood.' Jett Kenny has seemingly called off a potential proposal with his girlfriend Lily Brown Popular Instagram account Influencer Updates shared some photos from Jett, 30, and Lily's, 26, holiday to Hawaii and revealed how an ill-fated trip up the Stairway to Heaven hiking trail ended in relationship disaster 'Continued to cry like an actual baby all the way back to the car as a hungover loser who gave up and I'm still ringless.' The Stairway to Heaven or Haiku Stairs are located in Oahu and are 3,922 steps across the Ko'olau range that leads to some of the best views on the island. Lily and Jett debuted their relationship in December 2022 after weeks of rumours. 'She made it half way and turned back around. Jett then teased he was going to propose at the top but now can't,' they wrote The model and influencer both shared the same photo of them kissing to Instagram on New Year's Eve. Jett captioned his romantic post, 'To the future,' alongside a pair of love heart emojis. Lily meanwhile wrote alongside her own re-post of the photograph: 'You'd be a tough one to keep a secret.' The pair were forced to deny they were set to welcome their first child after a round of pregnancy speculation in May. The rumour mill was sent into overdrive after Lily's mother appeared to let slip the pair are preparing for a baby on Instagram. Nataly shared a photo of pink, embroidered baby clothes, writing: 'Bit of baby shopping on the way home because [excitement emoji].' Cindy Crawford shared a sweet family snap to her Instagram page. The supermodel, 58 and daughter Kaia Gerber, 22, looked stunning after their recent trip to Paris for the Olympics. Crawford looked elegant in a cream, red and green strappy floral gown with a black background and neutral sandals. Her long, dark hair was parted in the center and styled in loose layers. The Meaningful Beauty founder's makeup looked natural with a neutral lip and she accessorized with dangling silver earrings. Cindy Crawford, 58, looked stunning as she and husband Rande Gerber, 62, and kids Kaia, 22 and Presley, 25, get 'all dressed up with somewhere to go' Kaia, 22, showcased her fit form in a forest green chiffon dress with a plunging neckline and handkerchief hem with black kitten-heel sandals. Her makeup looked natural with a muted lip and her hair was styled in loose waves. Mother and daughter were accompanied by dad Rande Gerber, 62, who looked handsome in a light blue suit with a white button down shirt, and Presley Gerber, 25, who appeared dapper in a cobalt blue suit, a black button down shirt and white sneakers. 'All dressed up with somewhere to go,' the Becoming author wrote, next to the snap, tagging each member of the family. Snaps shared in her Instagram Stories reveal the foursome were headed to a family wedding, where Rande's niece Chase tied the knot with fiance Hank Ordway. The bride looked lovely in a cream chiffon dress with spaghetti straps and a pleated skirt. She is the daughter of Rande's look-alike brother Scott, who is the president and CEO of The Gerber Group, and his wife, Tracey. The outdoor wedding took place in a wooded area with a lake. Presley's post indicated it may have taken place in Montana. 'Whitefish wedding weekend,' next to the photo on his Instagram page. Snaps shared in her Instagram Stories reveal the foursome were headed to a family wedding. The bride is the daughter of Rande's look-alike brother Scott, who is the president and CEO of The Gerber Group, and his wife, Tracey Rande's niece Chase tied the knot with fiance Hank Ordway Presley was joined for the event by his girlfriend Isabella Jones Kaia's longtime boyfriend Austin Butler did not appear in any photos, so it's unclear if he was part of the festivities. Presley was joined for the event by his girlfriend Isabella Jones. The influencer looked gorgeous in a canary yellow satin halter dress and brown high heel sandals. Cindy and Rande looked happy a selfie as they sat at dinner. Rande had removed his jacket to help his wife stay warm in the cool evening air Another snap shows the Casamigos co-founder standing in front of the lake against a stunning orange and yellow sunset. 'My favorite view' Cindy wrote on the photo with a wink emoji Her long, blonde hair was styled in loose waves, and her makeup looked natural. Cindy and Rande looked happy a selfie as they sat at dinner. Rande had removed his jacket to help his wife stay warm in the cool evening air. Another snap shows the Casamigos co-founder standing in front of the lake against a stunning orange and yellow sunset. 'My favorite view' Cindy wrote on the photo with a wink emoji, causing fans to wonder if it was the scenery or her husband she liked the most. Michelle Keegan looked effortlessly stylish as she attended Glamour UK event at Aviva studios in Manchester on Sunday. The actress, 37, put on a very leggy display in the sophisticated co-ord and elevated her long legs with chic white court heels. She turned heads in her classy summer ensemble, accessorising her look with a black strappy bag and trendy sunglasses. Michelle said it was an 'absolute honour' to speak at the empowerment summit, she shared on Instagram following the event. Sharing a slew of snaps, she wrote: 'An absolute honour to speak at the @glamouruk empowerment summit in my home town, thank you for having me. Mum you empower me every day, thank you for being my plus 1 always'. Michelle Keegan, 37, looked effortlessly stylish as she attended Glamour UK event at Aviva studios in Manchester on Sunday She turned heads in her classy summer ensemble, accessorising her look with a black strappy bag and trendy sunglasses The actress put on a very leggy display in the sophisticated co-ord and elevated her long legs with chic white court heels It comes after Michelle and her husband Mark Wright looked cosy as they posed for social media photos together during their lavish Mallorca holiday earlier this month. Former Coronation Street actress Michelle stunned in a beautiful black and white striped dress as the couple enjoyed one last dinner in Deia. She paired the dress with white kitten heels along with a chic pair of black sunglasses and a straw bag. Taking to her Story, Michelle shared a photo of herself enjoying wine at a dinner table and tagged the location as La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel. Michelle and Mark have been together for well over a decade and they married in a 1million ceremony in Suffolk in 2015. In June, it was revealed that Michelle is earning an impressive 30,000 per week thanks to the global success of her Netflix hit Fool Me Once. The actress has cemented herself as a multi-millionaire after cashing in with a string of projects, and her income is set to rise even further, with reports she's been offered a six-figure sum by the streaming platform. According to accounts obtained by The Sun, Michelle's company Rosia Promotions Ltd has cash of 2.9m for her last 12 months of trading, and 3.6 million in company accounts. It comes after Michelle and husband Mark Wright looked cosy as they posed for social media photos together during their recent holiday Michelle and Mark have been together for well over a decade and they married in a 1million ceremony in Suffolk in 2015 In June, it was revealed that Michelle is earning an impressive 30,000 per week thanks to the global success of her Netflix hit Fool Me Once A tax bill also shows that Michelle is earning around 1.5 million per year, which averages at 30,000 a week. Michelle earned 60,000 per year when she starred on Coronation Street, but left the soap in 2014 to pursue other acting roles. The star is now earning far more thanks to a string of acting projects, having recently wrapped filming on a second series of Ten Pound Poms. Michelle is constantly asked why she and Mark do not have any children, and in January she opened up about how this affects her. She told The Mirror: 'Its horrible. People dont know if were trying. They dont know the background of whats happening. 'In this day and age, you shouldnt be asking questions like that. Im asked purely because Im a woman. 'But, Im immune to it now its like a reaction, and as soon as I hear it I brush it off as its no one elses business.' Tom Cruise was seen arriving at the Battersea Heliport in London on Saturday. The Mission: Impossible star, 62, was dressed casually in a white polo shirt and dark-wash jeans and carried a black backpack. He was spotted boarding a helicopter and settling into the passenger's seat. Cruise has been a very active and friendly audience member at the Olympics so far, attending multiple events as a regular guy and cheerfully posting for selfies with fans. He's not done with his Olympic adventure yet though as he's slated to perform an Ethan Hunt-style stunt at the closing ceremony next weekend. Tom Cruise was seen arriving at the Battersea Heliport in London on Sunday. The Mission: Impossible star, 62, was dressed casually in a white polo shirt and dark-wash jeans and carried a black backpack He was spotted boarding a helicopter and settling into the passenger's seat Cruise will literally drop in at the moment Paris hands the reins of the Olympics over to Los Angeles, which will host the 2028 games. Details have been kept under wraps so far, but it is known that L.A. Mayor Karen Bass will receive the Olympic flag from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo. 'Expect a major Hollywood production,' a source told Deadline. TMZ reported more details on the Top Gun star's involvement in the closing ceremonies on August 11. The Golden Globe winner apparently pitched his idea for the closing ceremony stunt to the International Olympic Committee. Cruise will rappel down onto the field from the top of the 115-foot Stade de France with the official Olympic flag. A pre-recorded segment of the Risky Business star skydiving onto the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles will also be played. Cruise performed that stunt in the spring and photographers caught him in action. Cruise has been a very active and friendly audience member at the Olympics so far, attending multiple events as a regular guy and cheerfully posting for selfies with fans He's not done with his Olympic adventure yet though as he's slated to perform an Ethan Hunt-style stunt at the closing ceremony next weekend Cruise will literally drop in at the moment Paris hands the reins of the Olympics over to Los Angeles, which will host the 2028 games The Top Gun star apparently pitched his idea for the closing ceremony stunt to the International Olympic Committee At the Olympics, Tom blew kisses to fans as he watched a swimming relay event after cheering on Simone Biles in the women's gymnastics. The star enjoyed a weekend stay in Paris for the Olympic Games and cheers echoed for him as he made his show-stopping entrance. He was also spotted taking selfies with fans and even giving Lady Gaga a hug after she performed during the Opening Ceremonies. The Rock of Ages star later returned to London via his helicopter after his weekend of Olympic action. 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. Dancing With The Stars has attracted the ire of Aussie viewers after its shocking double elimination saw Nova Peris and fan-favourite Julie Goodwin get sent home. Viewers flocked to X on Sunday night to express their disappointment as the beloved MasterChef star, 53, was sent packing after she seemingly impressed the judges. Some fans went so far as to accuse the dancing competition of being 'rigged', while others suggested contestant Ben Cousins, who scored lower than Julie with the judges, should have been sent home instead. 'Well, that's certainly... unexpected,' one user wrote after the elimination was announced and Nova, 53, and Julie said their goodbyes. 'WTF Julie should of got to stay,' another wrote, while someone else said: 'Julie ripped off bad.' A fourth added, 'Rigged they're really trying to redeem Ben,' as one wrote: 'Who's voting for Ben? Seriously...'. 'How on earth does Ben keep surviving? Has to be rigged for their whole bs "redemption arc."' Following the shock elimination of Nova and Julie, as well as fan-favourite MasterChef star Hayden Quinn in the last elimination round, judge Helen Richey has been forced to speak out against 'favouritism' claims. Dancing With The Stars has attracted the ire of Aussie viewers after its shocking double elimination saw Nova Peris and fan-favourite Julie Goodwin, 53, (pictured) get sent home It seems fans are being left disappointed each week when contestants who vote high on their skills with the judges are getting cut in the public voting rounds. Despite eliminations being based on a combination of viewer votes and judges' scores, some fans have accused the judges of favouritism, reported New Idea recently. Judge Helen, 79, who is a former competitive ballroom and Latin dancer, told the publication: 'People may not believe me, but the judges and contestants are kept quite separate. 'Yes, a lot of the professional dancers I know quite well - [my husband] Robert and I have actually trained quite a few of them - but when the show is on we have nothing to do with them. 'We do our best to keep the competition absolutely fair for both the celebrities and the pro dancers.' Viewers flocked to X on Sunday night to express their disappointment as the beloved MasterChef star was sent packing after she seemingly impressed the judges Julia and Nova were both sent home on Sunday night after failing to impress voters at home. After a sensational group performance to Kylie Minogue's Step Back in Time, the couples faced off for a place in the Semi Final. In her disco era, Nova served up Cha Cha, although Helen critiqued that she was staying within her capabilities. Nova scored 19 points, and it was not enough to save her despite making a valiant effort. Some fans went so far as to accuse the dancing competition of being 'rigged', while others suggested contestant Ben Cousins, 46, (pictured) who scored lower than Julie with the judges, should have been sent home instead Meanwhile, Julie returned to the floor with an impressive Foxtrot, scoring a healthy 27 points. The judges called her 'a sexy vixen,' 'a sassy minx,' and even a 'dominatrix' after her steamy performance. With no dance-off, it was Nova and Julie who ended up on the bottom of the leaderboard and were sent home. 'I can't win everything in life,' Julie joked upon getting the bad news, to laughter from the audience. 'Well, that's certainly... unexpected,' one user wrote after the elimination was announced and Nova and Julie said their goodbyes 'I've had an absolute ball and it's been fun. And I've lived my dream,' she added. Nova admitted she was disappointed to be leaving so close to the finals. 'Look, I'm so sad to not be dancing the next few weeks,' the Olympic gold medal winner said. 'It's just been a magical experience. It's hard to put into words. I will carry myself differently out into the world from here,' she added. Meanwhile, judge Helen Richey, 79, (pictured) has been forced to deny accusations of favouritism from viewers The most impressive performances of the night came from Samantha Jade and her partner Gustavo Viglio who scored 39. Also at the top of the pack was actress Lisa McCune and her dance partner Ian Waite who likewise won 39 points. Channelling her inner Lady Gaga, comedian Nikki Osborne received a standing ovation for her Rumba to, earning a score of 35. Dancing With The Stars continues 7pm, Sunday on Channel 7 and 7plus. Zac Efron spoke out after being taken to a hospital in Spain following an 'incident in a swimming pool' at a villa in Ibiza on Friday night. The High School Musical actor, 36, took to his Instagram Stories on Sunday to share a photo of himself working out shirtless, lifting barbells while lying on an exercise ball. 'Happy and Healthy, thanks for the well wishes,' the muscular matinee idol captioned the post. The star's message comes after sources revealed to TMZ that the actor was 'found inside the swimming pool by two people working at the villa who pulled him out of the water.' His representative confirmed to the outlet that Efron was hospitalized 'as a precautionary measure' following the 'minor' incident and is 'recovering just fine.' Zac Efron spoke out after reportedly being taken to a hospital in Spain after suffering an 'incident in a swimming pool' at a villa in Ibiza on Friday night (pictured in 2024) The High School Musical actor, 36, took to his Instagram Stories on Sunday to share a photo of himself working out shirtless, lifting barbells while lying on an exercise ball He was released from the hospital on Saturday morning. DailyMail.com has reached out to the former teen idol's representative for comment. Efron's representative was asked why he needed to be hospitalized if the issue was merely a minor one. In reply, the rep did not reveal why Efron needed to be fished out of the swimming pool, but once again stated the hospital visit was just a precaution. Ahead of the incident, he joined Dutch DJ, Martin Garrix, on stage during one of his shows. The Disney Channel alum has been spending time in Ibiza and Europe over the past few weeks. Two weeks ago, he spent an afternoon on a yacht with pals in Ibiza after a recent getaway to St. Tropez earlier in the month. The incident comes more than a decade after he 'shattered' his jaw after he slipped on a pair of socks while running at his home, which caused him to smash his chin into a granite fountain. 'Happy and Healthy, thanks for the well wishes,' the muscular matinee idol captioned the post Zac (seen left in 2007 and right in a behind the scenes clip from A Family Affair) opened up in 2022 about his changing appearance, blaming it on a severe fall that 'shattered his jaw' In 2022, he told Men's Health Magazine that he lost consciousness only to wake up with 'his chin bone hanging off his face.' Efron said that when he was injured, the masseter muscles on the inside of his face and jaw then 'compensated' for his injury causing them to grow in size - hence his remarkable transformation. He says this explains why he looked so different at the time. 'The masseters just grew. They just got really, really big.' Following the accident, Efron has been at the center of plastic surgery rumors, but the hunky actor the star insisted that the changes are just the result of shattering his jaw. The High School Musical star also claimed to not know that he was a huge talking point on social media and had in fact gone viral for his different-looking jaw, until his mother called to ask if he had gone under the knife. 'If I valued what other people thought of me to the extent that they may think I do,' he told the magazine, 'I definitely wouldn't be able to do this work.' In April 2021, Efron started trending on Twitter after he was seen on a video for Earth Day! The Musical displaying a more prominent square chin and heavier jawline. In the clip, Efron eagerly called Bill Nye a 'genius' after hearing that he and Justin Bieber were working on a fictional Earth Day musical. It led fans to speculate that the handsome star had sought plastic surgery. Efron's pal Kyle Sandilands had also spoke on his behalf - saying the Baywatch star would never do such a thing, comparing him to an oil painting by one of the Old Masters. The Australian radio host, who has known Zac for years, shut down speculation during The Kyle and Jackie O Show at the time. Zac Efron pictured at the Golden Globe Awards in January 2018 - three years before his fall 'I would know if he'd had any plastic surgery,' Kyle declared, before telling his co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson that 'of course' Zac hadn't had work done. He then said it would be pointless for the High School Musical heart-throb to have surgery because he's already so good looking. 'It's like getting a Picasso and having a kid finger paint all over it. Why bother?' he said bluntly. Last month, fans once again raised questions about his appearance after watching his new Netflix film, A Family Affair, alongside Nicole Kidman. Imogen Anthony has announced the death of one of her beloved rescue animals. The model, who owns an animal sanctuary in the New South Wales highlands, shared her grief in an Instagram post on Sunday while announcing the passing of her beloved cow, T-bone. The 33-year-old, who dated radio shock jock Kyle Sandilands for eight years, shared a series of sweet images of herself with the large brown ruminant. In the caption to her post, she wrote 'It never gets easier' when she loses an animal. 'It never gets easier, no matter what, but it helps me to know that I did everything I could to give them the best life I possibly could,' she said. 'T-Bone, to say I'm devastated to lose you is an understatement. I'm really upset. I mean I'm always upset when something passes away, but this one is different because of all the memories.' 'You were the BEST, not even Moo can take your place, but she will definitely be a tribute to you.' 'I can't believe I'll never cuddle you again. Love you forever my big boy,' she wrote, adding a rose flower emoji. Imogen Anthony (pictured with her beloved cow T-Bone) has announced the death of one of her rescue animals The sad news comes after Imogen recently opened up about marriage and baby plans with her partner Harley Jones. In 2022, the model sent her followers into a frenzy when she shared photos of herself appearing to tie the knot with Harley at the Little Chapel of Hearts in Las Vegas. The nuptials weren't legally binding and it appears Imogen wants to keep it that way. The model, who owns an animal sanctuary in the New South Wales highlands, shared her grief in an Instagram post on Sunday while announcing the passing of her beloved cow, T-bone 'I can't believe I'll never cuddle you again. Love you forever my big boy,' she wrote, adding a rose flower emoji Speaking to Daily Mail Australia at Australian Fashion Week earlier this year, the social media star ruled out a 'real-life wedding' and said the couple won't be starting a family anytime soon. 'No, I'm unconventional. That's how I roll,' she said. 'I'm not in any rush for anything like that. I'm in no rush to have kids.' She and her ex-boyfriend Kyle were together for eight years but he never popped the question to the former model. The media titan announced his shock split from the Big Brother VIP star on The Kyle and Jackie O Show in November 2019. Blake Lively shared a series of photographs from the interior of her New York City home on Saturday as she promoted one of her upcoming films, while fans noticed a detail from another project she's involved with. The Los Angeles native, 36, posted a slideshow of images from inside and outside the New York City apartment she shares with her family. Lively shares four children with husband Ryan Reynolds, 47 - daughters James, nine, Inez, seven, and Betty, four, and son Olin, who was born in February of 2023. In Saturday's Instagram post, Lively donned a multicolored bright Dauphinette dress with a feathery bottom of yellow, pink, blue and white with matching Christian Louboutin heels. Lively showed her fans that no detail was too small when it came to her sense of style, as she displayed her immaculately painted fingernails with her rainbow Louboutins in the background. Blake Lively, 36, shared a series of photographs from the interior of her New York City home on Saturday as she promoted one of her upcoming films, while fans noticed a detail from another project she's involved with Fans got a look in the post at the interior of Lively's Tribeca home, as she posed in front of a brick wall with a wood paneled floor with a rug on it Lively mentioned her upcoming romantic drama It Ends with Us in the caption of the post: 'Its not ever lost on me that I get to play dress up for a living @itendswithusmovie ONE WEEK AWAY!!' While Lively's sense of style was the focal point of the post, a number of astute fans took an interest in a floral Deadpool mask that was perched atop a wooden piano in the Tribeca home. The placement of the mask comes after Lively's cameo as the character Lady Deadpool in her husband's blockbuster film, Deadpool & Wolverine. 'Its the Deadpool mask covered in florals for me,' one user said, while another chimed in, 'Was hoping someone else noticed that lol.' Said one user: 'I had to scroll through the photos again to pick that up ... Im usually so good at that.' One user said of the mask, 'It definitely deserves its own post.' Fans got a look in the post at the interior of Lively's Gotham home, as she posed in front of a brick wall with a wood paneled floor with a rug on it. Lively posed in front of a large square portrait adorned with flowers that she told an inquiring follower was created by artist Sage Vaughn. While Lively's sense of style was the focal point of the post, a number of astute fans took an interest in a floral Deadpool mask that was perched atop a wooden piano in the Tribeca home The placement of the mask comes after Lively's cameo as the character Lady Deadpool in her husband's blockbuster film, Deadpool & Wolverine Lively posed in front of a large square portrait adorned with flowers, and in front of a steely blue dresser with a hat and wooden ornament sitting atop it Lively showed her fans that no detail was too small when it came to her sense of style, as she displayed her immaculately painted fingernails with her rainbow Christian Louboutin heels in the background The Gossip Girl shared another post on Saturday from inside the home, as she donned a floral blue top with floral blue jeans Lively was seen in front of a multi-unit steely blue Captain's side table by the retailer BDDW, with a hat and wooden ornament sitting atop it Lively posed in front of a large square portrait adorned with flowers that she told an inquiring follower was created by artist Sage Vaughn Lively on Sunday shared a series of rare shots from the inside of her NYC home. Pictured in January in the abode Lively was seen inside the NYC home prior to the Met Gala in 2022 Lively and husband Ryan Reynolds were pictured July 22 at the NYC premiere of Deadpool Lively was seen in front of a multi-unit steely blue Captain's side table by the retailer BDDW, with a hat and wooden ornament sitting atop it. The Rhythm Section actress was pictured stepping out in New York City earlier Sunday in an eye-catching ensemble. She paired a white and black patterned dress over a roomy pair of floral multicolored pants with sandals. The A Simple Favor star smiled with her blonde locks parted to the side on the summer day as she stepped out in the city. Lively was pictured stepping out in New York City Sunday in an eye-catching ensemble The Rhythm Section actress paired a white and black patterned dress over a roomy pair of floral multicolored pants with sandals The A Simple Favor star smiled with her blonde locks parted to the side on the summer day It was a busy weekend for the actress, who took time to sign Deadpool photos for fans at the Four Seasons Hotel in New York later on Sunday Lively, wearing a sheer top and embellished light jeans, waved to fans outside the luxe establishment in the Big Apple The actress and mom-of-four appears to be soaring personally and professionally as summer winds down It was a busy weekend for the actress, who took time to sign Deadpool photos for fans at the the Four Seasons Hotel in New York later on Sunday. Lively, wearing a sheer top and embellished light jeans, waved to fans outside the luxe establishment in the Big Apple. Lively's upcoming motion picture It Ends with Us also stars Justin Baldoni, Jenny Slate, Hasan Minhaj, Brandon Sklenar and Kevin McKidd. It opens in theaters August 9. The 73rd Miss USA Pageant, which is back in its original home in California for the first time since 2007, was held at the Peacock Theater in Downtown Los Angeles on Sunday, August 4. The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star Garcelle Beauvais and Keltie Knight from E! News played the role of hosts for the extravagant stage production, where 51 Miss USA Division delegates will gather to crown the 2024 winner, according to silive.com. Scheana Shay, who's best known for being part of the cast of Vanderpump Rules, served as one of the judges who helped crown a new Miss USA 2024 winner. Beforehand, the reality star took to the red carpet to showcase her unique black minidress and train combination that was matched with a pair of black open-toe heels. The shoulder-less number was a mixture of long stands of black designed in different directions in the upper portion and solid fabric below her waistline, which also included a long train that stretched out several feet behind her. Scheana Shay, 39, strutted her stuff in a one-of-kind black minidress when she served as one of the judges for the 73rd annual Miss USA Pageant at Peacock Theater in Los Angeles The reality star accessorized perfectly by wearing a pair of black hoop earrings that matched the upper portion of her mini dress, along with a clutch purse for her essentials. Rounding out her overall look, the West Covina, California native had her long black tresses pulled back off her face and into a ponytail that fell all the way down to the bottom of her back. She was also joined on the red carpet by Ally Lewber, an internet personality who first gained fame through her relationship with James Kennedy, a cast member on Vanderpump Rules, as well as Lala Kent, another star on the Bravo series. Shay would also snuggle up next to her husband, Brock Davies, for a round of photos during the red carpet festivities. A New Zealand native who grew up in Australia, the former rugby player met Shay at a music festival in 2019, and then began dating soon after, which included going on a trip to Australia and Bali just two months later, Bravo reports. Davies, who has two children from a previous relationship, and Shay welcomed their first child together, daughter Summer Moon Honey Davies, in April 2021. Eventually, the couple got married in August 2022 with their daughter as the flower girl. Before the ceremony, the reality star showcased her unique minidress and train combination that was matched with a pair of black open-toe heels Shay would also strike a few poses with her husband, Brock Davies, at her side in a white suit As a judge, Shay had to choose from the 51 contestants representing each state and the District Of Columbia at the Miss USA pageant After meeting in 2019 at a music festival, the couple eventually were married in August 2022 Shay would take to her Instagram page to share some behind-the-scenes looks at herself getting the finishing touches on her hair and makeup by part of her glam team. Born with brown hair, Shay decided to match her hair with her ensemble by have her hair stylist spray her locks black for the event. There are 51 contestants representing each state in the Miss USA pageant, plus the one young lady who represented the District Of Columbia. The West Covina, California native also shared the red carpet spotlight with Ally Lewber Sharing more love with her Vanderpump Rules cast mates, Shay was joined by a very pregnant Lala Kent on the red carpet The 2023 Miss USA winner, Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii, was also on hand to help crown her successor at the end of the ceremony. The next step for this year's winner will go on to represent the United States at the Miss Universe 2024 event that's going to be held in Mexico. Just days ago, Addie Carver from Mississippi was crowned Miss Teen USA 2024, but in a break in tradition she was crowned with the tiara by Gankiewicz, in the wake of the resignation of New Jerseys UmaSofia Srivastava in May. Shay would take to her Instagram page to share some behind-the-scenes looks at herself getting the finishing touches on her hair and makeup by part of her glam team Shay was backstage at the Peacock Theater when she finished putting her ensemble together Along with Utah's Noelia Voigt , who gave up her Miss USA crown, this marks the first time winners of either contest had ever reneged the titles to give up their crowns. Voigt initially cited mental health reasons, according to CNN, but there were also various criticisms of organizers that would later emerge, while Srivastava maintained her decision to step down was due to a clash in 'personal values' with the Miss USA organization. In her resignation letter, she laid out a list of complaints that included accusations of a delay in receiving her prize, and a 'toxic work environment' that 'at best, is poor management and, at worst, is bullying and harassment.' Voigt also claimed to have been sexually harassed during a public appearance that she blamed on the organizations failure to provide an 'effective handler.' Jackie 'O' Henderson unleashed her fury on a guest during her Kyle and Jackie O radio show on Monday morning. The media personality, 49, got heated when she spoke with Australian adult star Bonnie Blue who boasted about all the married men she sleeps with while working. She went on to blame her clients' wives, saying it was always a woman's fault when their partner cheats on them, causing Jackie to blow up at her. Bonnie, 25, argued that men only cheat because their wives and girlfriends don't have sex with them enough or don't offer variety in the bedroom. Meanwhile, Jackie insisted it wasn't a 'black and white' issue, saying there were many reasons men cheat and that Bonnie will 'regret' her words when she's older. 'I just think that one day you're going to regret this. We need our girlfriends. We need women,' Jackie told the OnlyFans worker. 'How would you feel if one of [your friends] got cheated on and her heart got broken and she's ruined from that for years?' 'Her problems aren't my problems,' Bonnie said of her friends, unmoved by the radio host's call for compassion. Jackie 'O' Henderson, 49, (pictured) unleashed her fury on a guest during her Kyle and Jackie O radio show on Monday morning Jackie then blasted Bonnie, saying: 'Oh my god, how can you say that? When you're a friend, yes their problems are your problems.' 'No, I'll be going back home to my problems,' Bonnie insisted. Infuriated by the guest's point of view, Jackie went on to ask her if she would ever sleep with her friend's husbands. 'No because they're my friends. I have got friends. I wouldn't want to see my friends hurt,' Bonnie said. The media personality got heated when she spoke with sex worker Bonnie Blue, 25, (pictured) who boasted about all the married men she sleeps with while working Jackie then pointed out the hypocrisy of Bonnie's statement, saying the women whose men she was encouraging to cheat were 'like your friends'. 'Don't you have any empathy for women out there in marriages?' Jackie added. Bonnie said: 'No because they should be listening to my advice now saying go home and put some nice underwear on.' 'Your advice is ridiculous because it's not black and white like that,' Jackie snapped at her. She went on to blame her clients' wives, saying it was always a woman's fault when their partner cheats on them, causing Jackie to blow up at her She continued: 'One day when you get married and fall in love, you could be giving him all the sex in the world and he may still cheat on you.' Jackie has been married twice previously. The former Popstars host was previously married to English radio presenter 'Ugly Phil' O'Neil for three years until their split in 1999. Jackie went on to marry UK photographer Lee in 2003 with the pair welcoming their daughter Catalina "Kitty" Henderson in December 2010. They separated in 2018. Ice-T and Coco Austin's daughter Chanel is ready to steal the spotlight from her famous father. The 66-year-old rapper/actor and his 45-year-old wife shared a joint Instagram post on Friday, showcasing their 8-year-old girl on the set of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. 'Behind the scenes, Law & Order, someone's trying to take daddy's job,' Coco said from behind the camera, as she focused on her adorable daughter sitting at a desk at the beginning of the video. Ice-T has played Detective Odafin "Fin" Tutuola on the hit crime drama since its second season in 2000. The clip then featured Chanel exploring the sets, observing scenes on a monitor, and even getting hands-on experience by operating a camera under the guidance of a crew member. Ice-T and Coco Austin 's daughter Chanel is ready to steal the spotlight from her famous father The 66-year-old rapper/actor and his 45-year-old wife shared a joint Instagram post on Friday, showcasing their 8-year-old girl on the set of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit She also took a seat behind the desk of Mariska Hargitays character, Olivia Benson, while using a phone. In a playful touch, the nameplate on the desk was replaced with a handwritten sign that read 'Capt. Chanel' instead of 'Capt. Olivia Benson.' 'Oh no @babychanelnicole is taking over @nbclawandorder,' Coco wrote. 'Watch out directors, camera men [sic] and even Olivia Benson's spot! Don't sleep on this chick! She does it all!' Chanel's day on set comes after the couple revealed she obtained an agent in January. 'You know Chanel and Ryan Buggle [who plays Noah, son of Mariska Hargitay's Olivia Benson] have the same agents. We didnt even know that. She just got an agent,' Coco, 44, told People. 'Chanel wanted to be here tonight. She's mad at us right now,' Ice-T, 65, added. 'She looked at the babysitter like, "Really?! Really?"' According to her Instagram, the youngster - who walked in New York Fashion Week last year - is signed to the Zuri Agency. Asked if his daughter would ever make a cameo his hit show, the rapper happily told People 'Hell yeah!' 'Behind the scenes, Law & Order, someone's trying to take daddy's job,' Coco said from behind the camera, as she focused on her adorable daughter sitting at a desk at the beginning of the video Ice-T has played Detective Odafin "Fin" Tutuola on the hit crime drama since its second season in 2000 The clip then featured Chanel exploring the sets, observing scenes on a monitor, and even getting hands-on experience by operating a camera under the guidance of a crew member She also took a seat behind the desk of Mariska Hargitay s character, Olivia Benson, while using a phone Chanel's day on set comes after the couple revealed she obtained an agent in January; pictured September 2023 It comes just four months after Chanel walked in the Rookie USA fashion show as part of New York Fashion Week. Chanel was one of 100 children to make their way down the runway during the 13th annual event benefitting the non-profit Moms for Moms NYC. Coco documented their little girl's first-ever NYFW experience on her Instagram Story, telling her followers that they were 'ready to see Chanel walk that runway!' The proud parents were seated front row with their close friend, rapper Treach, as Chanel modeled two kid-friendly looks. She also captured footage of Chanel looking like a total pro while getting her hair and makeup done backstage. In August, the star - who doesn't employ nannies - revealed their key to good parenting was doling out 'parental guidance - not necessarily parental control, but guidance to help them understand.' 'We do our parenting. I think the thing of it is, it's Ice-T and Coco. Our parenting is a lot different than the normal, square couple from Oklahoma,' Ice-T (born Tracy Marrow) explained to People. 'I'm a f***ing rock star, its different. We're like the Osbournes. We have a different dynamic in our house. But it's not harmful. That's the main thing. It's us.' It comes several months after she walked in the Rookie USA fashion show as part of New York Fashion Week She also captured footage of Chanel looking like a total pro while getting her hair and makeup done backstage The hip-hop legend also fathered two adult children son Tracy Marrow Jr., 32, and daughter LeTesha Morrow, 47; from previous relationships; the family pictured last year The Law & Order: SVU actor and the Tarzana-born, Albuquerque-raised bombshell make sure to monitor and control little Chanel's activity on Instagram where she's already amassed 444K followers. 'It's fun and she likes doing it. If she didn't, we definitely wouldn't do it,' Ice-T clarified. 'Now, at some point, Chanel might say, "Daddy or Mommy, I don't want to be on social media" and we'll stop. But she's a normal kid. She wants to do her TikToks and her Reels.' The hip-hop legend also fathered two adult children son Tracy Marrow Jr., 32, and daughter LeTesha Morrow, 47; from previous relationships. Rebecca Judd has revealed how Melbourne socialites rate an evening out on the town. The businesswoman and influencer, 41, attended friend Emma Lowe's lavish 40th birthday party at Yugen Dining in South Yarra on Saturday night after celebrating Lorinska Merrington's ski chalet 40th bash earlier that day. 'When you find last night's eyelashes in an empty cup of coffee, you know had a great time,' she captioned the snap of her Sunday morning moment. The candid photo shared to her Instagram Stories showed her set of ultra-long fake lashes floating in cappuccino residue at the bottom of a glass. Bec, who lives in the affluent suburb of Brighton with her husband, AFL great Chris Judd, attended not one but two 40th birthday parties over the weekend, so there's little question as to why she was feeling worse for wear by Sunday morning. The mother-of-four donned a $299 strapless diamante maxi dress by Aussie boutique Meshki for Emma's soiree. Bec posed for a quick mirror selfie in the statement garment with friends Michelle Greene and fashion designer Effie Kats. 'Quick outfit change to end the night celebrating,' JAGGAD activewear clothing founder Michelle captioned the glamorous pre-party snap on her Instagram Stories. (L-R) Melissa Greene, Bec Judd, and Effie Kats pose for a mirror selfie at friend Emma Lowe's 40th birthday bash The Melbourne socialites swapped their ski-chalet glam looks for cocktail dresses after partying with Yummy Mummies' Lorinska for her 40th The outfit change came after Bec pulled out all the wardrobe stops for TV personality Lorinska Merrington's ski chalet bash earlier on Saturday. The Yummy Mummies reality star, 40, hosted an Apres-ski themed soiree in South Yarra, which she compared to the French Alps Val dIsere ski resort. Bec and her sister Kate Twigley dressed to impress in skin-tight bodysuits paired with thigh-high furry boots popularised by actress Julia Fox at Paris Fashion Week as 'Monster Legs' in contrasting electric blue and baby pink colour ways. Bec and her sister Kate Twigley dressed to impress in skin-tight bodysuits paired with thigh-high furry boots for Lorinska's ski chalet-themed birthday party The Melbourne businesswoman ended her week on a lighter note, after using her large social media platform to hit back at a follower who had accused her of 'wanting children in jail'. Bec has been waging a one-woman war on youth crime in her affluent Melbourne suburb, with social media posts calling out the Victorian government. In an Instagram Stories post last week, the influencer and former AFL WAG fired up over a 16-year old boy being released on bail after he allegedly stole a Mercedes from a woman with cerebral palsy and crashed into a Volvo being driven by a mum picking up her kids from school. After attending back-to-back birthday parties, Bec's lashes ended up here on Sunday Bec Judd attended two 40th birthday parties on Saturday, for friends Lorinska Merrington and Emma Lowe in South Yarra At least one of the designer's 756,000 followers took issue with her stance, direct-messaging her: 'So youre cool with putting children in jail?' Sharing the exchange on her Story, Bec responded: 'No, Im not. I think there are better ways to save these kids like preventative programs/social scaffolding etc. 'But I'm more than okay with putting violent reoffenders in jail who've been given chance after chance' she continued. A screenshot Bec Judd shared to her Instagram Stories responding to a direct message from a follower last week 'You know the ones who invade people's homes with machetes, attack them, steal their cars and hit and kill innocent civilians while driving them? We need to keep the community safe and there is a small group of violent reoffenders who are causing the majority of problems. I am more than happy to see them incarcerated to keep Victorians safe. I hope that makes sense.' Judd had earlier attached a news report of the alleged incident, which happened in her suburb of Brighton in Melbourne's Bayside, to her Instagram Stories. She further added in her caption on the post: 'Just so we are clear. If we had better preventative programs we wouldn't be in this mess. 'They take time though and they won't save the many families who will have their homes invaded tonight and tomorrow and the next day. We need long and short term plans to deal with this crisis.' The 41-year-old, who lives in the affluent suburb of Brighton with her husband, AFL great Chris Judd, and their four children, has become known for being vocal on the issue in the Victorian capital, particularly in her local Bayside area Bec has been both praised for using her platform to bring attention to the issue of crime in the Victorian capital, and criticised for complaining given her luxurious lifestyle. Back in May 2022, she said she felt unsafe in her multimillion-dollar mansion and claimed the Victorian government didnt 'seem to care' or be doing anything about violent crime in Bayside. The mum-of-four said she personally knew two women who had experienced home invasions in Brighton in a matter of weeks. Then-premier Daniel Andrews dismissed her comments, claiming 'the data would tell a different story'. He said that he was 'not interesting in having an argument with Ms Judd'. 'Im also obliged to point out though, I think there are more than 70 additional police in the Bayside area, and the most recent crime statistics released by an independent agency would not support those sweeping assessments about patterns of crime,' Andrews said at the time. There were 4385 criminal incidents recorded in Bayside in 2023 compared to 3756 in 2022, an increase of 16.7 per cent, according to the latest data from the Victorian Crime Statistics Agency. The top suburbs targeted in Bayside were Brighton, Brighton East and Hampton. In June, Judd was conversely applauded by Liberal MPs after labelling Melbourne woke, broke and violent for authorities failure to crack down on crime. Sandringham MP and Victorian shadow treasurer Brad Rowswell told news.com.au it was wrong to discredit or disrespect Bec's views simply because of her affluence. 'What she is doing is really just calling it out as it is. She is saying what so many people in my community are thinking,' he told the publication. 'What she is doing is standing up for innocent victims in her community and the government should be listening to her.' Brighton MP James Newbury agreed she's an 'important and every member of the community should be encouraged to speak out'. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's son Pax has been released from ICU following his e-bike crash. The 20-year-old will have a 'long road of recovery' and 'suffered complex trauma' a source told People of his condition. 'Pax has been released from the ICU. He suffered complex trauma, and now begins the long road of recovery and physical therapy.' The insider added that Pax and Angelina, 49, 'are deeply grateful for the quick and life-saving action of first responders, and the outstanding medical care he received.' The Oscar winner remains by her son's side, as well as his other siblings, with the source noting they 'have been visiting and helping', and adding, 'They are all very close.' Angelina Jolie, 49, and Brad Pitt's, 60, son Pax, 20, has been released from ICU following his e-bike crash on Monday; Pax and Angelina seen in 2018 Pax will have a 'long road of recovery' and 'suffered complex trauma' a source told People of his condition; seen in LA on July 11 As for Pax's estranged father Brad, a rep for the 60-year-old actor declined to comment when asked by DailyMail.com if he planned to visit his son in hospital. It comes following claims that the actress is reportedly seeking help for her 'troubled' son. Angelina has been by Pax'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. A source told TMZ on Tuesday that witnesses who lived nearby initially believed Pax had died in the crash as they discovered him lying lifeless on the ground. It was not until paramedics arrived at the scene that Pax regained consciousness. 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. The insider added that Pax and Angelina 'are deeply grateful for the quick and life-saving action of first responders, and the outstanding medical care he received,' seen in 2023 Jolie continues to be with her son, as well as his other siblings, who 'have been visiting and helping.' The sourced added, 'They are all very close'; (L-R) Knox, 16, Angelina, Vivienne, 16, Pax, Shiloh, 18, Zahara, 19, and Maddox, 22 As for Pax's estranged father Brad, a rep for the actor recently declined to comment when asked if he planned to visit his son in hospital; they are seen in 2014 '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. Responding police and paramedics opted to rush Pax to the hospital after he complained of head pain. Despite his injuries, TMZ's source claimed that Pax's bike did not show any obvious signs of damage. Pax who like several of his other siblings is estranged from his famous father had reportedly been driving down Los Feliz Boulevard around 5 p.m., which put him on the regularly crowded street during rush hour traffic. According to law enforcement sources, he had been coming up to an intersection when he crashed his bike into the back of the car, which had already stopped for the red light. The car's driver reportedly did their duty by getting out and checking on the injured Pax before police and paramedics arrived. Although it's not clear exactly where he collided with the car, witnesses at the scene said he complained of pain in his hip, and they said he appeared to have injured his head in the crash. It comes following claims that Angelina is reportedly seeking help for her 'troubled' son; they are seen in 2023 in New York City 'He has had a string of car crashes,' a source asserted. 'It's not great. Pax is a troubled kid, and Angelina is doing her best to help him,'; pictured in Los Angeles in November 2021) In recent months, Pax has been spotted around Los Angeles riding on a Talaria Sting R MX4 electric bike, which costs around $3,000, though it's not known if that was the same bike he crashed. He was most recently pictured on the dirt bike on July 11. Notably, he wasn't wearing a helmet when he was pictured riding the bike in public. California state laws require all bike and motorcycle riders under 18 to wear helmets, but it's unclear if the type of bike Pax was riding at the time would have required him to wear a helmet. The crash also reportedly took place on a street near Angelina's Los Angeles residence. Angelina rushed to the hospital to be by her son's beside following the crash. Pax, who was born in Vietnam, 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, in 2005 and he adopted Pax in 2008. All three of the older children have been estranged from Pitt following an 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. Pax, who was born in Vietnam, was adopted by Jolie at age three. Brad then adopted him in 2008; The former couple and their kids pictured in Tokyo in November 2008 Brad and Angelina married in August 2014 after 10 years together but Angelina filed for divorce in September 2016; seen in 2006 Jolie and Pitt are legally divorced but are still fighting over the sale of Miraval, the vineyard in France. 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.' Chris Hemsworth proved he is still in the prime of his life on Saturday when he flaunted his incredibly ripped physique ahead of his 41st birthday this week. The hunky Australian actor, who stars in the upcoming animated film Transformers One, spent the day surfing in his home town of Byron Bay. Putting his very fit form to work, the Thor star was spotted carving through waves like a pro after returning home from the San Diego Comic-Con in the US. With his sandy blonde locks in shambles as they blew through the wind, Chris was not shy about showing off his toned abs and bulging biceps. Carrying a surfboard under his arm, the Hollywood star enjoyed his mid-winter surf with long-time friend and personal trainer Luke Zocchi. He was all smiles as he shared a laugh with his mate who often helps Chris hone his figure in the gym. Just hours before his trip to the beach, Chris was spotted touching down at Sydney airport following his trip to the USA. Chris made his long-awaited return to San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday to showcase the new trailer for his animated film Transformers One. Chris Hemsworth, 41, (pictured) proved he is still in the prime of his life on Saturday when he flaunted his incredibly ripped physique ahead of his 41st birthday this week The hunky Australian actor, who stars in the upcoming animated film Transformers One, spent the day surfing in his home town Byron Bay Putting his very fit form to work, the Thor star was spotted carving through waves like a pro after returning home from the San Diego Comic-Con in the US With his sandy blonde locks in shambles as they blew through the wind, Chris was not shy about showing off his toned abs and bulging biceps Carrying a surfboard under his arm, the Hollywood star enjoyed his mid-winter surf with long-time friend and personal trainer Luke Zocchi (right) He was all smiles as he shared a laugh with his mate who often helps Chris hone his figure in the gym Chris carried his large surfboard under his arm as he flaunted his gym-honed torso He was long a mainstay of Hall H at the San Diego Convention Center when he was starring as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies. The actor returned for Transformers One, Paramount's animated prequel to the Transformers franchise, which hits theaters on September 20. He was joined by co-stars Brian Tyree Henry (D-16), Keegan-Michael Key (B-127) and director Josh Cooley at the Hall H panel. The Hollywood star appeared to be engrossed in conversation with his friend At one point, he was seen cradling his board between his legs as he slipped into the upper half of his wetsuit The long black suit covered him completely from ankle to wrist Just hours before his trip to the beach, Chris was spotted touching down at Sydney airport following his trip to the USA Chris made his long-awaited return to San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday to showcase the new trailer for his animated film Transformers One The actor was long a mainstay of Hall H at the San Diego Convention Center when he was starring as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies Chris returned to San Diego Comic-Con for Transformers One, Paramount's animated prequel to the Transformers franchise, which hits theaters on September 20 The latest trailer was shown to fans for the first time during the convention. Chris hit the stage in Hall H of the San Diego Convention Center donning a white T-shirt under a white button-down short-sleeved shirt with a long gold chain. He was joined by his co-stars and director to discuss the film and reveal the latest trailer. The clip showcases how Optimus Prime - then known as Orion Pax - and Megatron - then D-16 - used to be the best of friends. August 5, 2024: While Ukraine has major allies in the form of NATO assistance, Russia has no such support and must pay for its war in Ukraine with no outside support. This has crippled the Russian economy, which is already suffering from economic sanctions imposed by its major trading partners in Europe and some in Asia. This led Russia to depend more on trade with China. This the Chinese agreed to do, while assuring their Western trading partners that Chinese goods sold to Russia would not include weapons or munitions. Naturally the Chinese sent those anyway. In 2024 Ukraine reported that Russian troops were using Chinese munitions. The Ukrainians had proof and, when Chinese officials were shown these munitions, they responded that Russia must have obtained these munitions from third parties. China pointed out that it is a major exporter of munitions and those buyers could sell their Chinese munitions to Russia for a profit. China is one of the top five exporters of weapons and munitions in the world but because of Russian demands for more munitions to use in Ukraine, Russia has gone from a major exporter of weapons to a major importer. Before the war Russia was a major exporter of munitions to China but since the Ukraine War began those exports have stopped and China is now a major exporter of munitions to Russia. China tries to keep this quiet, but they are indeed the source of all those Chinese made bullets Russian troops have been using. Chinese efforts to blame third party sources for supplying Russia with Chinese munitions falls flat when anyone scrutinizes global munitions shipments before and after Russia invaded Ukraine. Chime considers these facts embarrassing, but business is business. She's the no-nonsense host of the ABC current affairs show 7.30. And after chatting to countless politicians and celebrities over her long career, Sarah Ferguson has revealed one of her worst interview subjects of all time: Ben Affleck. Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald's Sunday Life magazine, the five-time Walkley Award winner revealed the Hollywood actor and director was 'quite high up on the list' when it comes to less-than-stellar interviewees. Ferguson was not impressed with the Batman star's attitude, saying it felt as though he'd rather be anywhere else. 'He was just rude, not interested, going through the motions,' Sarah revealed. The underwhelming chat occurred back in March 2023 when Ben and co-star Chris Tucker appeared on 7.30 to promote the film Air, which Ben directed, about the origin of the iconic Air Jordan Nike shoes. During the interview, an unsmiling Affleck gave rambling answers and repeatedly looked off camera, with just four questions that Ferguson asked him actually making it to air. When Ferguson asked Affleck how the film had evolved from a 'white guys in business' film to a story about Michael Jordan's family, he gave a stumbling response. After chatting to countless politicians and celebrities over her long career, Sarah Ferguson has revealed why Ben Affleck was a memorably bad interview subject Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, the five-time Walkley Award winner revealed that Hollywood actor Affleck was 'quite high up on the list' when it comes to less-than-stellar interviewees 'It happened by my looking at the story and thinking initially, you know, knowing a little bit how these companies work, and knowing about, you know, knowing by instinct it wasn't only white people who worked at this company who were relevant to the story. 'And I didn't want to make that story. Luckily, Michael graciously made himself available to me, and directed me to the three people he felt were principally relevant here... and also he talked about his father and his mother'. Ferguson's bombshell comes amid significant turmoil in Affleck's personal life. Ben and wife of two years Jennifer Lopez have not been seen together in two months, and sources have told DailyMail.com they have prepared divorce documents to file at a later date. Sarah meanwhile shares three boys with fellow award-winning journalist Tony Jones - Felix (Tony's son from a previous relationship), Cosmo and Lucien. She added that she was over the moon with the fact that Cosmo and Lucien have moved back from Canberra, where they were studying, and were living together in Sydney. 'It's so cute, I want to die! The reward of this period of time I could honestly just cry into our plates,' she admitted. '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. The underwhelming chat occurred back in 2023 when Ben and co-star Chris Tucker appeared on 7.30 to promote the film Air, which Ben directed, about the origin of the iconic Air Jordan Nike shoes '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.' Having previously worked as a reporter for SBS current affairs shows Dateline and Insight, as well as a stint on Channel 9's Sunday, Sarah joined Four Corners in 2008. In 2015, she replaced Kerry O'Brien as the host of Four Corners, before moving into Leigh Sales' old chair on 7.30 in 2022. A former Channel Nine reporter has turned in her lucrative TV career for the safari life, as she opens up a retreat in East Africa. Carrie Greenbank was the European correspondent for Network Nine for almost four years before she departed the broadcaster earlier this year amid mass redundancies. She has now announced on Instagram that she is a 'photo safari host' in Kenya with her partner Dr John Haskew at their Mlima Cottage. Carrie's other half, who is a wildlife photographer and documentary filmmaker, built the property at the edge of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Sharing a selfie of the loved-up pair posing in Africa, Carrie wrote: 'Hi from the Maasai Mara. 'We look forward to hosting visitors at our private residence, Mlima Cottage.' Photographers and wildlife lovers alike can hire out one of the three large ensuite bedrooms in Mlima Cottage for USD$250 (AUD$384.80) per night, per person. Or they can hire exclusive use of the entire home for USD$1400 (AUD$2154.89) per night. Former Channel Nine reporter Carrie Greenbank (pictured) has turned in her lucrative TV career for the safari life, as she opens up a retreat in East Africa She recently announced on Instagram that she is a 'photo safari host' in Kenya with her partner Dr John Haskew (left) at their Mlima Cottage The Mlima website states Carrie and her partner have 'partnered with local Maasai safari guides who are highly knowledgeable and sought after in the Mara'. These guides can take photographers for day-long safari rides on and off the beaten path 'allowing for plenty of flexibility in getting those precious photos of wildlife'. Carrie, who spent 16 years in TV news, left Nine Network in June this year after becoming their European correspondent in 2021, reported TV Tonight. Carrie's other half, who is a wildlife photographer and documentary filmmaker, built the property at the edge of the Maasai Mara National Reserve Photographers and wildlife lovers alike can hire out one of the three large ensuite bedrooms in Mlima Cottage for USD$250 (AUD$384.80) per night, or they can hire exclusive use of the entire home for USD$1400 (AUD$2154.89) per night The twin sister of ABC investigative reporter Amy Greenbank, Carrie began her career with WIN News in Queensland. She went on to join Nine's Gold Coast, Brisbane and Melbourne newsrooms in the following years. In 2021, Carrie landed a role in Nine's London Bureau where she covered the deaths of the Queen, Prince Phillip, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the Israel-Hamas war. Carrie's incredible work in the industry won her a Melbourne Press Club Quill and a Walkley nomination. Christina Hall seemed to have recharged her batteries after getting away from her divorce drama on a trip with her female pals to South Carolina. On Saturday, the 41-year-old former Flip Or Flop star shared some glimpses of the trip with her friends Stacy Evatt and Robyn Purpero to her Instagram Stories. The reviving vacation came amid her ongoing war of words with her estranged husband Josh Hall over their divorce. Most recently, he said on social media that he was refusing to 'badmouth' his ex, after the two feuded publicly over her allegedly offering him 'millions' in a divorce settlement. Christina began her vacation posts by giving her 1.8 million followers a glimpse of a gorgeous white estate, though it wasn't clear if she was staying there. Christina Hall, 41, shared some glimpses of a 'girls trip' to South Carolina with her friends Stacy Evatt and Robyn Purpero to her Instagram Stories on Saturday The reviving vacation came amid her ongoing war of words with her estranged husband Josh Hall over their divorce Then she shared a photo of herself with her two friends on either side as they stood on a dock in front of a boat with a black canopy. 'Much needed girls trip,' Christina wrote over the photo, adding, '41 is so good.' She rocked a slim black tube top for the boat ride, along with a lovely pink-and-white gingham mini skirt. The reality star kept most of the details of the girls trip to herself, but she did give her fans a glimpse behind-the-scenes at some of the fun antics she had with Stacy and Robyn. 'When it's been a really good last night,' she captioned a fun Instagram Stories photo of herself in the same outfit as the earlier photo. It featured her lying on a rug in a stately study as she laughed or smiled while her friends, whom she tagged, stood over her. Later, on Sunday, Christina summed up the trip with a lovely selfie in which she wore a black top with her long blond hair fanned out across her shoulders. 'South Carolina was good to me,' she began. 'The pure peace I felt there was something I haven't felt in a long time. It reminded me I am capable of feeling this daily when know one is fing with me and my life [sic].' Her post came after her ex Josh took to Instagram on Friday to make his first public statement amid their divorce. The 43-year-old real estate entrepreneur who denies declining a seven-figure settlement from Christina 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, Josh 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.' Christina began her vacation posts by giving her 1.8 million followers a glimpse of a gorgeous white estate, though it wasn't clear if she was staying there The 'much needed girls trip' climaxed with her laughing on the floor and surrounded by her friends Later, on Sunday, Christina summed up the trip with a lovely selfie in which she wore a black top with her long blond hair fanned out across her shoulders 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. Weeks after the back-to-back divorce filings, Christina accused her estranged husband of transferring $35,000 of her money into his bank account. Her post came after her ex Josh took to Instagram on Friday to make his first public statement amid their divorce He claimed he wouldn't 'badmouth' Christina after denying her claim that she had offered him millions to quickly resolve their divorce 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. Lottie Tomlinson has how how it was her maternal instinct that encouraged her to give up her career to care for her siblings after their mother's death from cancer. The influencer, 25, who recently announced her second pregnancy, speaks about how she looked after her family her new memoir, Lucky Girl. Lottie halted her plans to step into a maternal role for her five younger siblings - Felicite, then 16, twins Phoebe and Daisy, 12, and twins Doris and Ernie, who were only two along with her grandmother and the younger twins' father Dan. Her mother Johannah Deakin died from leukaemia seven months aged 43 after she was diagnosed in 2016 when Lottie was just 18 years old. Johannah and Lottie's father, who she was estranged from, had split up four years before and her mother's death prompted her move home to Doncaster. Lottie Tomlinson has how how it was her maternal instinct that encouraged her to give up her career to care for her siblings after their mother's death from cancer Lottie halted her plans to step into a maternal role for her five younger siblings - Felicite, then 16, twins Phoebe and Daisy, 12, and twins Doris and Ernie, who were only two along with her grandmother and the younger twins' father Dan (pictured with Phoebe left and Daisy right) Detailing how she moved back home, Lottie said: 'I needed to be there for the little ones. It was just an instinct. And we've all got that in us because of how my mum brought us up. We're all very maternal and we all care about each other so much. My work was important to me but nothing's more important than your family and they needed me.' In an extract from her new book obtained by the Mirror, Lottie explained how she thought she would go on to live a 'sad life' after the tragedy. She wrote: 'I thought that my life was never, ever going to be happy again. I thought that I would always live with this pain.' Lottie recalled sitting on their bathroom floor sobbing after realising her mother Johannah wouldn't survive her cancer diagnosis after previously holding onto hope that she would be cured. Sadly for the family, Lottie's sister Felicite Tomlinson lost her life following an accidental overdose three years later, after taking a fatal concoction of anti-anxiety medication, cocaine and painkillers. Before the double tragedy, Lottie was working as a make-up artist alongside her friend Lou Teasdale, and by 2015 she was on tour with her brother Louis' band One Direction. In her book, Lottie reveals how nobody offered her and her younger siblings any bereavement support to process their grief. Not until Lou encouraged her to therapy from the Sue Ryder bereavement charity, which she described as a 'turning point' in her life. Sadly for the family, Lottie's sister Felicite Tomlinson lost her life following an accidental overdose three years later, after taking a fatal concoction of anti-anxiety medication, cocaine and painkillers Now hoping to help others deal with the loss' they have suffered she wrote: 'In my darkest times, I didn't think I'd be happy again, I was really, really convinced of that. And there'll be a lot of people in that same place.' Now, Lottie is engaged to Lewis Burton, who she shares her son Lucky, 23 months, with, and his pregnant with a baby girl. She shared the news they were expecting a daughter on her Instagram page, as she posted a gender reveal cake with pink icing. She wrote: 'The most surreal feeling ever, my baby girl a dream come true'. Upon announcing her pregnancy news to the world, Lottie penned a social media caption that read: 'our little family is growing we feel so excited and blessed that another beautiful baby is joining us in Jan 2025.' Lottie and Lewis got engaged in November 2023 when he whisked her off her feet to Paris - after three years of dating. She oozed glamour as she styled her blonde locks in a chic up-do and opted for a glamorous palette of makeup and glossy lip Taking to Instagram on Sunday, she shared a snap of a gender reveal cake with pink icing and wrote: 'The most surreal feeling ever, my baby girl a dream come true' Lottie and Lewis are already parents to Lucky, who they had in August 2022 Lottie and Lewis are already parents to Lucky, who they had in August 2022. Explaining the significance of the name Lucky and why she's chosen it for the title of her book, she told Christine Lampard on Lorraine that it stems from her mum Johannah. Lottie said: 'I think its just always been the way that she was able to feel grateful for what shes got when she was really ill. And I think thats always stuck with me and its such a powerful trait to carry through life. 'Its been a massive way that I have been able to cope with a lot of my grief is by trying to change really negative, sad things that have happened into a positive in any way that might be. 'Even if it's a small positive, it just helps you kind of cope and get through it.' She explained she had taken on the maternal role in her family following her mum's death because she needed to be there for younger siblings Felicite, Phoebe, Daisy, Ernest and Doris, adding that the responsibility at such a young age 'set the tone' for the rest of her life. Lottie said: 'I think it was such a natural instinct for me and I credit my mum for that because she instilled this really maternal instinct into us all. 'I think when something like that happens, you go into a survival and instinct mode and straight away I knew that the little ones needed me and I wanted to do whatever I could to make things easier for them. 'It kind of came naturally, but it was such a life changing experience for me to have that responsibility and I think it really set the tone for everything else that happened in my life.' Victoria Beckham has revealed she wouldn't enter the fashion industry knowing what she knows now following her experience of launching her self-titled brand. The fashion designer, 50, told Nicole Kidman during an interview for Vogue Australia that she was 'naive and innocent' when she began working on her label. The mother of four admitted that if she had the knowledge of what it would be like she might not have the 'courage' to start the same journey today. In January it was revealed that her once-floundering brand, Victoria Beckham, is finally turning a handsome profit 17 years after its launch. Speaking about her early experience with the brand in Vogue, she said: 'It was always my passion to be in fashion and beauty. I'd obviously been in the Spice Girls. I took the plunge, and there was an innocence and naivety. If I knew then what I know now, I might not have had the courage to do it, but I didn't really know anything about the industry. I went into fashion in a very honest, humble way. Victoria Beckham has revealed she wouldn't enter the fashion industry knowing what she knows now following her experience of launching her self-titled brand (pictured 2022) The fashion designer, 50, told Nicole Kidman during an interview for Vogue Australia that she was 'naive and innocent' when she began working on her fashion label 'I just wanted to create clothes I couldn't find myselfAnd now after 17 years we're proud to say that fashion in its own right is profitable, and for a ready-to-wear brand and an independent brand to be able to say that is a huge achievement 'And now we're building. I spent many years working on the foundations and now I can start to build the house that I always dreamed about. We have fashion that's not just ready-to-wear but we have bags and shoes, we have beauty, which is enormously successful in its own right, and now I have fragrance, which for me is the halo of the brand. Now, that makes us a real house.' In October the designer told Vogue France announced the brand had finally made a profit, more than a decade after launching her own fashion label. 'This is just the beginning. I have lots of ambitions, and I work hard to achieve my goals. I never wait for things to just fall into my lap,' she said. 'It's such an exciting time. This year, we made a profit! This takes time, especially for an independent brand. My perfume isn't a license - I own it. 'Now that I have laid down the groundwork for the house, the real work can begin.' In an interview with industry bible Women's Wear Daily (WWD) in March to celebrate the news, her brand's investor, David Belhassen, shone a rare spotlight on the inner workings of Victoria's empire. He said revenues were up by a huge 42 per cent to 58 million and predicted that when the business filed accounts for the 2022 financial year in December, the former Spice Girl would make her many critics eat their words. The mother of four admitted that if she had the knowledge of what it would be like she might not have the 'courage' to start the same journey today (pictured February 2024) In January 2023, accounts for Victoria Beckham Holdings Ltd revealed losses of 5,887,036 in 2021, down from 8,581,944 in 2020. The figure meant overall losses for the firm stood at 66.3m since its launch in 2008 and directors of the firm - including Victoria and her husband David - were not paid a dividend. The luxury fashion business has expanded to Europe and the Middle East, with the annual accounts saying the brand was also expanding into new products, with the launch of leather goods and the VB Body range. Despite big losses, the Beckham's global empire has reportedly doubled its profits. Annual accounts filed with Companies House in London showed the pair made 11.6m in the year ending December 2020 despite the pandemic compared to 4.5m in 2019. In accounts submitted in 2021, auditors warned of 'significant doubt' about Victoria's fashion company's ability to continue operating when it was reported the company had racked up debts of more than 46million since it launched. Friends of the star said at the time Victoria was determined to continue with her company even though her detractors have dismissed it as a vanity project. One said: 'This is what gives Victoria her identity, she loves it and despite its obvious obstacles, she is a grafter and hugely passionate about it.' The fashion label, which has a flagship store in Mayfair (pictured), filed a loss of 12.2million in 2018, 4.6million in 2017 and a 8.4million loss in 2016 In February 2021, it emerged that Posh's beauty range she set up in 2019 had suffered a loss of 4.7 million. A spokeswoman for Victoria said: 'Whilst 2019 was a challenging year, the business halved its losses - a significant step in the road to profitability. The launch of the hugely successful beauty line in the same year helped drive overall revenues up 7% on 2018 and both businesses are focussed on profitable growth. 'The showcase of the recent AW21 fashion collection has been well-received by fashion critics and the beauty business has seen multiple sell-out products in recent months.' The fashion label, which has a flagship store in Mayfair, London and sells items such as coats for up to 2,900 each, filed a loss of 12.2million in 2018, 4.6million in 2017 and a 8.4million loss in 2016. Sofia Vergara sweetly cuddled up to her adorable pet dog Amore on Sunday as she headed to the cinema with boyfriend Justin Saliman. The Colombian-American actress, 52, who held the tiny chihuahua close to her, slipped into a casual grey cotton dress for the low-key movie night. Nailing causal chic, Sofia wrapped a coordinating grey sweater around her waist and finished off her look with chunky white trainers and a black crossbody bag. The TV star donned minimal make-up for the outing, while leaving her brunette locks to loosely fall about her shoulders. Sofia and Justin were joined on the cinema trip by Justin's two children Stella and Dean, whom he shares with ex-wife Bree Turner. Sofia Vergara sweetly cuddled up to her adorable pet dog Amore on Sunday as she headed to the cinema with boyfriend Justin Saliman The Colombian-American actress, 52, who held the tiny chihuahua close to her, slipped into a casual grey cotton dress for the low-key movie night The couple's outing comes shortly after she enjoyed an incredible getaway to Europe with her doctor boyfriend Justin and several friends. On Tuesday the couple were spotted treating themselves while out in the South of France. Sofia was seen snacking on a tasty ice cream cone while her beau dug into his own treat as they strode down a cobblestone pathway together. The lovebirds looked every inch the cute couple too as Sofia lovingly placed a hand on her boyfriend's shoulder. Sofia donned a black plunging top that displayed a hint of cleavage along with a voluminous black skirt that added a chic touch to her ensemble. Sofia had been sharing glimpses into her luxurious getaway on Instagram, most recently on Tuesday with a snap of her in Monaco. She donned a fitted floral print dress as she, Justin, and their friends enjoyed the sights. 'Adios Monaco!!' she captioned the post. Sofia and Justin were joined on the cinema trip by Justin's two children Stella and Dean, whom he shares with ex-wife Bree Turner Justin pictured with his former wife Bree and their children Dean and Stella in 2019 The Griselda star told People in May that she and Dr. Saliman are 'maybe' dating, adding: 'I think now that I'm older, it's great because you know exactly what you like.' She was first romantically linked to the plastic surgeon last October, three months after she ex-husband Joe Manganiello announced their divorce. Following seven years of marriage, Vergara and Manganiello, 47, amicably settled their divorce in February. In January, Vergara admitted to El Pais that they divorced because he 'wanted to have kids' and she 'didn't want to be an old mom.' Manganiello has since refuted this claim, telling Men's Journal that they split up because 'two people grew apart, and sometimes that happens.' The Magic Mike's Last Dance star has since become involved with actress Caitlin O'Connor, 34. Her casual outing comes just days after she enjoyed an incredible getaway to Europe with her doctor boyfriend Justin Saliman and several friends Sofia had been sharing glimpses into her luxurious getaway on Instagram, most recently on Tuesday with a snap of her, Justin and pals in Monaco. Vergara appeared on Watch What Happens Live that month, telling host Andy Cohen that she's sworn off younger men. 'They can't be younger than 50, I'm 51,' she said. 'Okay, 49.' A source told DailyMail.com in November that things were 'moving fast' with Vergara and Saliman, and she is 'falling in love' with him. By January, another insider said that he was more of a 'rebound,' and despite the 'amazing connection,' Vergara 'likes being considered single and ready to mingle' and 'doesn't want to settle with anyone.' Vergara told DailyMail.com in February that she's 'open to having fun,' but she's steering clear of the dating apps. 'I'm bad with technology, so I'm sure I would click on the wrong ones,' said Vergara. 'I'm open to having fun and meeting people. It's only been six months.' An Antiques Roadshow guest had to fight back tears after learning the 'shocking' value of a vase passed down to him by his late boss. The show's resident expert Lee Young was left surprised by one item brought in by a man from Dundee. He told viewers on Sunday's episode that the vase may have travelled to the UK from Japan more than a century ago. The guest told the expert on the RRS Discovery in Dundee that it was gifted to him by someone very close to him. He said: 'I inherited it from someone who's very dear to me and he passed away about 10 years ago. with very lucky detail passed down by late boss An Antiques Roadshow guest had to fight back tears after learning the 'shocking' value of a vase passed down to him by his late boss after years of admiring it The show's resident expert Lee Young was left surprised by one item brought in by a man from Dundee and revealed it had likely travelled to the UK from Japan The guest told the expert on the RRS Discovery in Dundee on Sunday's episode that he had inherited it from someone very close to him and was emotional at the memory of his boss 'It means a lot to me. He was adamant that I should have it.' He revealed that he had admired the vase for years when its previous owner was still alive and explained he'd first seen it while he was working for his boss. The guest told Lee: 'When I worked for him, I always admired it and he asked, "Well what do you want when I pass away? Do you want the mirror in the hall or the vase?" 'I said, "I just don't want you to die, I'm not going to tell you"'. He then explained that before his boss fell ill he made a promise that the vase should pass to him. And Lee was clearly impressed, telling the guest who was tearing up: 'Well, it's a very very nice gift in sad circumstances, but it's a very nice gift.' He then went on to reveal the history behind the beautiful vase. He said: 'This is a type of ware called Satsuma ware, from Japan.' After hearing the heartbreaking story behind the gorgeous artefact, the BBC valuer said: 'Well, it's a very very nice gift in sad circumstances, but it's a very nice gift.' Lee told the teary guest that the vase was known as Satsuma ware and was first introduced to the West in Paris in the year 1867 where people 'went wild' for it Looking over the vase, the BBC star explained the importance of the figures covering it and noted its size before revealing that it could be worth up to 5,000 tot he shocked guest Lee pointed to the base of the vase, highlighting its authenticity and the maker's mark which showed it had been made by Ryozan and Kyotio Providing more context, Lee told the man Satsuma ware was first introduced to the West in Paris in the year 1867. He said: 'We went wild for it to say the least! They were decorated with these lovely rich gilts and just very lush, rich decoration. Then actually, what we see here, a popular subject, were processions and we see a procession here.' Looking over the vase, the BBC star explained the importance of the figures covering it, both on horseback and being carried in carriages. But an element that shocked Lee the most was the scale of the vase. He said: 'What I love about it, is its scale I mean it's just huge. I mean, for a Satsuma vase of this type. I mean often the ones we see are very small ones, very fine.' He then suggested that the vase may date back more than 100 years ago to the late 19th century. Lee pointed to the base of the vase, highlighting its authenticity and the maker's mark which showed it had been made by Ryozan and Kyotio. Speaking about its value, the antiques expert said: 'It is such an impressive thing. It's such an impressive size. I think, if that came onto the market today, that would easily command 3,000 to 5,000.' The guest was visibly shocked by the valuation and became emotional. An Antiques Roadshow guest was left completely stunned after he found out the staggering valuation of his 45 watch on last week's episode His 'extremely rare' watch saw the BBC crowd gasp in awe of his prized possession, after hearing of the value Holding back tears he said: 'It's quite special. That's very - I get emotional because it reminds me of the man [who gave it to him]. 'To me, that's the most important thing. But it's a huge amount of money, it's quite amazing. Shocking, actually. It's quite shocking.' This was not the only exciting discovery, on last week's episode a guest was left completely stunned when he found out his 45 watch was now worth more than his pension. The guest's 'extremely rare' watch saw the BBC crowd gasp in awe of his prized possession, after hearing the value of it. The guest said he was gifted the timepiece for his 21st birthday, shortly after he joined the Merchant Navy. The watch, of which only a few hundred were made, is now worth a staggering 40,000 and the guest told valuer Richard that it was worth more than his pension. Charlotte Dawson put on a brave face as she stepped out in Blackpool on Monday after her fiance Matthew Sarsfield allegedly sexted another woman. The Ex On The Beach star, 31, 'put her tears on hold' as she dressed to impress in a strapless blue lace minidress. She turned heads in the stylish long sleeved number which she teamed with a coordinated pair of bow stilettos. Leaving her long dark tresses loose, Charlotte opted for a large pair of sunglasses and accessorised with a simple pendant necklace. The reality star shares sons Noah, three, and Jude, 12-months, with Matthew and regularly posts insights into their family life. Charlotte Dawson put on a brave face as she stepped out in Blackpool on Monday after the news her fiance Matthew Sarsfield allegedly sexted another woman The Ex On The Beach star, 31, shares sons Noah, three, and Jude, 11 months, with Matthew and regularly posts insights into their family life The reality star has been with rugby league player Matthew for eight years, with the couple recently returning from a family holiday in Mallorca. Emily Louise Hodgkinson, 34, told the The Mirror that she was left 'shocked' when the former Swinton Lions player sent an intimate picture to her. The pair met through Emily's ex, who played rugby with Matthew, and followed each other on Instagram. She said: 'I feel so sorry for Charlotte. How could he do that to her? I'd be mortified if a partner did that to me behind my back.' Emily said she took a screenshot of the image and added that Matthew appeared to be 'worried' as he asked her what she planned to do with the photograph. According to sources, the Celebs Go Dating star was 'completely blindsided' when she learned Matthew had sent an explicit image to somebody he knew and it is 'unclear' whether their relationship will survive. They told The Mirror: 'Shes been completely blindsided by these revelations. To say she is hurt is an understatement, and its unclear where the relationship lies at the moment. Right now, Charlotte is trying to get her head around his actions. 'Shes always stood by Matt, despite some ups and downs in their relationship, and Matt is not just her fiance, hes her best mate so this news has been a very hard pill to swallow.' Charlotte looked incredible in the lace blue strapless minidress and coordinated bow heels as she stepped out with friends Ahead of the outing, Charlotte beamed for an Instagram mirror selfie in the chic outfit According to reports, the Celebs Go Dating star was 'completely blindsided' when she learned Matthew had sent an explicit image to somebody he knew and it is 'unclear' whether their relationship will survive MailOnline have contacted Charlotte's representatives for comment. The shocking revelations comes after Charlotte recently got very candid about her dwindling sex life with fiance Matt last week and joked her kids are 'c***blocking' her. Just mere weeks ago, the mother-of-two launched her brand-new podcast Charlotte Dawson's Naughty Corner , as a place for mothers to share parenting mistakes they have made that would land them in the naughty corner. According to reports, the Celebs Go Dating star was 'completely blindsided' when she learned Matthew had sent an explicit image to somebody he knew and it is 'unclear' whether their relationship will survive The woman he sent the image to is thought to have taken a screenshot of the intimate picture which left Matthew 'worried' Charlotte Dawson celebrates 'less jelly on belly' in Majorca In the first episode, Charlotte told her co-host Janine Marsh how both Noah and Jude have negatively impacted her and Matt's sex life. She recalled a specific incident with Matt in an infinity pool, during a family holiday to the Maldives in April. Charlotte began: 'So, I was recently in the Maldives, which was fabulous. And me and Matthew felt - I think it was the heat - Matthew's like, "Come on, we need to". 'It's like we have to book sex in now. It used to be a couple of times a week, now it's like once every two months. 'So, Matthew's like, "Come on, it's been a while, now." And I'm like, I know, but I just can't be arsed." The woman he sent the image to is thought to have taken a screenshot of the intimate picture which left Matthew 'worried' 'But, we had this lovely infinity pool, it was amazing. And we kept getting in the pool with Noah and Jude, obviously, but Jude was having a little sleep.' Despite not being in the mood previously, something about the pool changed Charlotte's mind. She continued: 'Me and Matt and Noah were in the pool and we were just looking at each other. And for some reason we were both just like two animals, saying: "I wanna eat ya!" 'We were looking at Noah and he was playing with his little Avengers and I was like, "What should we do? Noah's just there." 'We were obviously kissing and stuff, just having a cuddle and a kiss, I think that's nice to do that in front of your kids. Not sexual kissing like not a proper snog. 'Sometimes it's nice when he sees us and says, "Ah, Mummy and Daddy!" And comes and joins us and has a cuddle and really c***blocks us.' 'So, we obviously had a kiss and a cuddle and we were looking at him, like, "What should we do, here? Do you reckon we'll get away with it, or what?" 'We actually voted against it. We had to vote against it which we were absolutely devastated about because we were ready and raring. It would have been a bloody belting sexual thing happening there.' Kerry Katona has had a change of heart and decided she does want a sixth child. The TV star, 43, is a mum of five but shares no biological children with her fiance Ryan Mahoney, 35. She has daughters Molly, 22 and Lilly, 20 with her ex husband Brian McFadden who she was married to from 20022006. She is also mum to Heidi, 17, and Max, 15, with ex husband Mark Croft and eight-year-old DJ from her relationship with the late George Kay. Following a recent hospital scan, Kerry has explained how she was told by doctors that she can still carry a child which has prompted some conversations with Ryan about trying for a baby. Kerry Katona has had a change of heart and decided she does want a sixth child. The TV star, 43, is a mum of five but shares no biological children with her fiance Ryan Mahoney, 35 The Atomic Kitten star had been in hospital following a cancer scare and explained in her OK! Magazine column: 'When I went for my scan last week and got the all-clear, I was told that I've still got follicles meaning I could have another baby.' 'I don't think I would have another one, but Ryan keeps changing his mind! If he wants another one then that's fine, but we need to get a move on.' She added thought that she wouldn't want to carry another child herself and would explore surrogacy after her difficult birth with youngest daughter DJ 'traumatised' her eldest children. In February Kerry revealed her baby dream was over and admitted she had given Ryan 'a free pass' to have a baby with another woman. Kerry explained: 'I don't want to deprive him in fact, I've given him a pass and said, 'If this is something you want to pursue, leave me now!' 'I never want someone to not have that feeling of having their own child. But I feel like I should be enough for a man.' Last week Kerry admitted she hasn't seen her eldest daughter Molly in a whole year. Molly now lives in Ireland - her father's home country - but she will soon reunite with her mum during a trip back to the UK. Writing in her latest OK! column, Kerry said: 'Lilly and Molly are both coming home this week from Ireland for a visit and I can't wait to have them back. 'I haven't seen Molly in almost a year! We talk on the phone every single day, but she just hasn't been home to visit in a while. Lilly is getting on great too, she's really settled and has got a good job over in Ireland, I'm proud of her. She is mum to Heidi, 17, with ex husband Mark Croft and eight-year-old DJ from her relationship with the late George Kay (pictured) Kerry's only son Max is 15. His dad is Kerry's second husband Mark Croft She shares daughters Molly, 22 and Lilly, 20 with her ex husband Brian McFadden who she was married to from 20022006 (Kerry, Brian, Lilly and Molly seen in 2004) 'It's nice for me to see my kids flourish. I've done my parenting bit and now it's their turn to live lives.' Kerry and Abbey Clancy were both left in tears after the Atomic Kitten star recently opened up about her tragic childhood and why she got her daughters' names tattooed on her wrists. The star was overcome with emotion as she admitted her biggest fear is her children feeling 'unloved' as that is how she felt growing up. Kerry's mother Sue was manic-depressive and speaking to Abbey on her podcast Exhibit A, she confessed her earliest memory is watching her mum slit her wrists when she was just three years old. She confessed: 'I think my biggest thing was always feeling not good enough because you know when you watch your mum trying to kill herself and you're like 'am I not good enough for you want to be here?' Last week Kerry admitted she hasn't seen her eldest daughter Molly in a whole year. Molly now lives in Ireland - her father's home country - but she will soon reunite with her mum during a trip back to the UK (seen together in 2020) 'So I was pretty f****d up before I became famous anyway'. Revealing her biggest fear, she continued: 'I remember sitting in rehab and I couldn't believe I let myself get so low and I kept thinking if this is in my DNA and if it is a genetic thing and I thought the one thing I never want my kids to feel is unloved and not wanted by me, because that is how I felt. 'I thought if this is [self-harming] something that I might end up doing, so I got Molly and Lily tattooed on my wrist because I thought I'd be so selfish to put my kids through that. 'No matter what's going on in my life I want my my kids to know I love them so much and I'm never going to leave them.' Netflix fans have issued a warning to not to watch one terrifying horror movie alone after it 'made their anxiety skyrocket'. The horror film, originally released two years ago, has been steadily climbing the Netflix rankings and viewers have been left shocked and scared by the haunted house scenes. The film, titled The Deep House, has captured the attention of movie-lovers this summer and has been the focus of social media chatter. Co-directed by French filmakers Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo and distributed by Blumhouse Productions - the studio that made horror Get Out, The Invisible Man and Five Nights at Freddy's - the team has made another bone-chilling film. The story centres around two YouTubers named Ben and Tina who travel around known haunted spots to create content for their channel. Netflix fans have issued a warning to not to watch this film alone as terrifying horror movie 'makes their anxiety skyrocket' with it's shocking twist The horror film, originally released two years ago has been steadily climbing the Netflix rankings and viewers have been left shocked and scared by the haunted house scenes The story centres around two YouTubers named Ben and Tina who travel around known haunted spots to create content for their channel and is filmed entirely underwater The pair, who are recently engaged, travel to France to explore a sanatorium submerged in an artificial lake and unearth a grim house full of terrifying surprises. The film, which received 74 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes, has been called "eerie and unnerving" by reviewers. People were left stunned by the film's unique perspective, which saw most of the footage filmed underwater, with the two leads reliant on oxygen tanks and flimsy torches to see through the murky depths of the lake Many people even took to social media to warn others not to watch the scary movies alone, taking to Facebook and writing: '[Do not] watch it alone' and 'My anxiety for closed spaces and deep water went up while watching this last year'. Another chimed in: "Thanks for the insomnia Netflix #TheDeepHouse." Members of the reviewing website took to the comments to share their thoughts. Critic Meagan Navarro wrote in her review at the time of its premiere: 'The underwater setting gives an otherworldly, eerie quality unlike anything else and makes the house's ghosts all the more startling,. She added: 'It's more content to let the current slowly wash over its audience than provide a sensory assault, so enjoyment will likely vary depending on how well you're willing to submerge yourself in the details over the simplified story.' Others took to X to express their shock at the ending and warn people they are 'not ready for The Depp House! It's INSANE!'. The film received 74 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes has been called eerie by reviewers who were left stunned after watching the leads act with oxygen tanks and flippers Many people even took to social media to warn others not to watch the scary movies alone, taking to X and Facebook to share their thoughts on the terrifying movie Other reviewers shared the audience's fear and praised the impressive if terrifying movie. Dennis Harvey writing for Variety said: 'Needless to say, it is ominous when they spy newspaper clippings of missing children cases on the walls; even more so when a nearly life-sized crucifix is discovered blocking entree to some kind of secret chamber. But there is worse to come. He added: 'The tension provided by dank claustrophobia and threat of suffocation, as air supplies dwindle, makes this house a very scary place to be.' The duo behind the movie, is one of their first successes since their debut 14 years ago with the home-invasion thriller Inside. Their later English language horror, Leatherface was not widely well received, but The Depp House has had audiences on the edge of their seats for three years. August 5, 2024: The Ukraine War is now in its third year and, by most standards, the Ukrainians are winning. A major factor in their success is the nearly $200 billion in military and humanitarian aid received since Russia invaded in early 2022. While Americans and Europeans were generous with their material aid, these nations have not sent troops, as many would have done if Ukraine were a NATO member. One reason Russia invaded was to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO. The invasion had the opposite effect because the NATO factor in the Russian decision to invade led members to realize how important NATO was in deterring attacks by hostile nations. Ever since NATO was formed in 1949, its purpose was to deter a Russian attack. In that respect NATO was a success. Russia made no secret of its desire to keep Ukraine out of NATO and that decision backfired. Because of the war, NATO is actively preparing Ukraine for NATO membership. If Ukraine had been a NATO member in 2021, Russia would not have invaded because it would have meant going to war with the entire NATO alliance. NATO can muster a much larger military force than Russia can handle. The combined military strength of NATO members amounts to 3.3 million troops, 22,000 aircraft and 2,200 military ships. Since Ukraine is not a NATO member, NATO nations are under no obligation to send their soldiers to fight the Russians in Ukraine. Even when it is suggested that NATO members sent their soldiers to fight in Ukraine, most NATO nations oppose doing so. A recent survey found that all NATO members continue to oppose sending soldiers to Ukraine, with the 26 percent of Swedes willing to do so being the highest of all NATO members. The least willing NATO member was Greece, where only four percent of voters supported sending soldiers to Ukraine. Since Ukraine is not a NATO member, European nations had an excuse for not sending soldiers to Ukraine. Once the fighting stops, Ukraine can join and benefit from other NATO nations being obligated to send troops as well as aid should Russia attack again. Russian leader Vladimir Putin is aware of this Ukrainian NATO membership angle and plans to keep the war going indefinitely to prevent Ukraine from joining. This tactic turned out to have a major flaw. Keeping the war going would mean Russian troops would have to remain in Ukraine to provide garrisons in Ukrainian territory Russia currently occupies. Pull Russian troops out and the Ukrainians will move in and reoccupy and reclaim their lost territory. Currently Russia occupies 161,000 square kilometers of Ukraine. This is about 27 percent of Ukraine. Ukraine suffered similar losses in population, mainly because of Ukrainians fleeing the country to avoid the combat and major disruptions to the civilian economy. Ukraine is the first major war in Europe since the end of World War II in 1945. NATO was formed in 1949 to prevent another major war. That worked for NATO members but not for Ukraine which was not a member but wanted to be one. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz's daughter Lucie Arnaz, 73, shared a rare photo of her brother Desi Arnaz, Jr., 71, on Instagram. The siblings were in Las Vegas at dinner with friends in the carousel of photos. In two of the images, Lucie rests her head on her bearded brother's shoulder as they enjoyed a family dinner thanks to her husband Laurence Luckinbill's son Nick. 'With our special guest, my recalcitrant brother, Desi Arnaz, Jr.!!! Desi is alive and well, my friends just likes to stay a bit 'undercover,'' Lucie wrote in her caption. Desi has retreated from public life ever since the death of his wife Amy Arnaz in 2015. She had cancer and was just 63-years-old. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz's daughter Lucie Arnaz, 73, shared a rare photo of her brother Desi Arnaz, Jr., 71, on Instagram She went on to reveal the reason for the Las Vegas trip and festivities. 'We are here for the weekend as Larry is being tributed during the 35th Anniversary of Star Trek V celebration at The Treksperts Convention here. 'He played Spock's brother, Sybok in that film and with his autobiography just released, is a very special guest here.' Laurence appeared as Spock's brother in 1989's Star Trek V: The Final Frontier. 'He'll be taking photos, selling and signing books and speaking on two panels,' she added. She also shared photos from another dinner with her friends, Las Vegas entertainer Clint Holmes and his wife Kelly, as well as Maximillian Von Anhalt and Sunny Sessa. 'I snuck away to Caesar's and Joe's Seafood to join the indomitable Sunny Sessa, her dear Max and our pals, Clint and Kelly Holmes for more stimulating conversation and just a few naughty sweets!!' Lucie assured fans her brother is 'alive and well' and said he just likes to 'stay a bit undercover' Desi has receded from public life ever since the death of his wife Amy Arnaz in 2015. She had cancer and was just 63-years-old The carousel captured their hangouts with friends The siblings are the children of the legendary Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz 'What smart, interesting, funny, involved and talented and lovable friends and family have I,' she gushed. Lucie married actor and writer Luckinbill in 1980, and they have been happily in love ever since. Lucille and Desi seen getting off an airplane in 1959 Together, they welcomed three children over the years two sons named Simon and Joseph, and a daughter named Katharine. They, along with Laurence's two sons from his previous marriage Nicholas and Benjamin Luckinbill - all currently live in Palm Springs, California. George Schenck, a producer and writer who worked on the iconic series NCIS for 15 years, has died at age 82. The Hollywood executive passed away at his Brentwood home on August 3, according to Variety. Schneck's credits include roles producing Dying to Remember, Crazy Like a Fox, and It Came Upon the Midnight Clear. He served in numerous capacities on the first 15 seasons of the legendary series NCIS, working as a producer and writer. NCIS star Mark Harmon paid tribute to Schenck in a statement. George Schenck, a producer and writer who worked on the iconic series NCIS for 15 years, has died at age 82 'So sorry to hear the news on George,' he said. 'The professionalism and tenacity of George and Frank changed the face of the show. Im so appreciative of the team and teamwork they both represented.' Harmon joined NCIS when it first debuted back in 2003 before eventually departing in 2018. During his run on the series, he served as an executive producer, co-executive producer, consulting producer, and writer of 48 episodes. Schenck comes from a family ingrained in Hollywood - his father is the late film and TV producer Aubdrey Schenck, according to Deadline. His great uncles, the brothers Nicholas and Joseph Schenck, were also instrumental during the Golden Age of Hollywood, Deadline reports. During his pivotal time, they oversaw MGM and 20th Century Fox and played key roles in the film industry for many years. George is a graduate of the University of Southern California, first receiving a screenwriting degree before advancing onto their film school's writer's program. He was a member of their first class and obtained a graduate degree from the film school, according to Variety. Schenck subsequently served in the U.S. Navy. NCIS star Mark Harmon, pictured center, paid tribute to Schenck in a statement His earliest writing credit on IMDb dates back to a 1965 episode of The Wild Wild West, followed by an episode of the Western show Branded. Among his many writing credits include an episode for Fantasy Island and a story by credit for Bonanza. Schneck's wife Virginia Schenck passed away last year. They were married for over 50 years. Schneck served in numerous capacities on the first 15 seasons of the legendary series NCIS, working as a producer and writer He is survived by their two sons, Kirk and Jeff, along with their daughters-in-law and grandchildren. In memory of the late writer, his family have asked for donations to be sent to the Writers Guild Foundation in lieu of flowers. Maura Higgins is secretly dating Pete Wicks as they were spotted snogging at Broadwick Soho Hotel at the weekend, according to new reports. The Love Island star, 33, and the TOWIE alum, 36, enjoyed an intimate alfresco lunch at the London eatery. The couple were first reported to be dating in October 2023 as they were seen looking rather cosy at the Pride Of Britain Awards. And in pictures obtained by The Sun, it seems the celebrity duo have taken their relationship to the next level as they could be seen passionately kissing. Maura, who split from American stuntman boyfriend Bobby Holland Hanton earlier this year, wrapped her arms around Pete's neck and kissed him during a romantic luncheon together. Maura Higgins, 33, is secretly dating Pete Wicks, 36, as they were spotted snogging at Broadwick Soho Hotel at the weekend, according to new reports The Love Island star and the TOWIE alum enjoyed an intimate alfresco lunch at the London eatery A source told the publication: 'Maura had been sitting on the terrace with friends for an hour before Pete arrived. 'After theyd sat there for a while Maura went in for a long kiss with Pete. It wasnt the kind of kiss youd give a friend, it was very passionate. 'Maura and Pete seemed to be really into each other and kept looking into each others eyes before kissing again a number of times. They were all over each other. They looked totally in love and werent trying to hide it from anyone.' MailOnline have contacted Maura's representatives for a comment. Maura recently 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 Love Island USA star 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 following a 10 month whirlwind romance, but refused to give more details. The couple were first reported to be dating in October 2023 as they were seen looking rather cosy at the Pride Of Britain Awards (pictured at the POB) A source said: 'Maura had been sitting on the terrace with friends for an hour before Pete arrived. After theyd sat there for a while Maura went in for a long kiss with Pete. It wasnt the kind of kiss youd give a friend, it was very passionate' Maura recently revealed that she is not short of offers and has had American A-listers slide into her DMS and ask her out 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.' T.I. was arrested in a case of reported mistaken identity at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport on Sunday, August 4, The rapper, 43, was placed in handcuffs after a warrant was allegedly issued for another man named Clifford Harris - which is T.I.'s real name - with the other Harris wanted in Baltimore, Baltimore County, Maryland, per TMZ. Suspect Harris is wanted for alleged involvement in violent behavior toward a woman and stalking, possibly involving a gun. T.I. was transported to Clayton County jail and the arrest triggered an automatic extradition hearing as the warrant was issued out of state, T.I.'s attorney Steve Sadow told the publication he called the Clayton County Sheriff's Office, and had T.I. released within 2 hours of his arrest. T.I. was arrested in a case of reported mistaken identity at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport on Sunday, August 4 - pictured 2022 DailyMail.com has contacted T.I.'s representative for comment. In January a woman filed a lawsuit against T.I. and his wife Tiny Harris, accusing them of drugging and sexually assaulting her back in 2005. The woman claimed she received a drink from Tiny at a club before ending up at a hotel room with the couple, where Tiny grinded her and T.I. penetrated her vaginally with his toe despite her telling him 'no', according to court documents obtained by DailyMail.com. Tiny, 48, and T.I. denied the allegations in a statement provided to the outlet, and claimed they had been denying the accusations for the past three years. The allegations are similar to ones the couple faced in 2021 by a member of the military, however it is unknown if the new lawsuit is the same incident. Ultimately, no charges were brought against the couple as the incident had fallen outside of the 10-year statue of limitations. 'On the heels of positivity, negativity always rears its ugly head. This plaintiff has been threatening to file this lawsuit for THREE years,' the couple said in their statement to TMZ. 'For THREE years, we have emphatically and categorically denied these allegations. For THREE years we have maintained our innocence and refused to pay these extortionate demands for things we didnt do. For THREE years, we've maintained the same position while the claims in this story have changed time and time again. Our position is clear... We are innocent of these fake claims, we will not be shaken down, and we look forward to our day in court.' DailyMail.com has contacted representatives for the couple for comment. The rapper, 43, was placed in handcuffs after a warrant was allegedly issued for another man named Clifford Harris - which is T.I.'s real name - with the other Harris wanted in Baltimore, Baltimore County, Maryland , per TMZ - pictured with wife Tiny Harris in March 2024 Call The Midwife's Helen George swapped her nurse's uniform for a very skimpy ensemble as she soaked up the sun during a recent getaway with pals. The actress, 40, who has played Nurse Trixie Franklin on the show since it's inception in 2012, flaunted major sideboob as she went braless beneath a plunging black vest. Helen completed the look with shorts and stylish aviator shades while posing in the sunshine with her nearest and dearest . Posting to Instagram the actress also wore a pair of tiny denim hotpants and stylish red top as she playfully poked out her tongue. She captioned the post: 'The best weekend with the best of friends'. Call The Midwife 's Helen George, 40, swapped her nurse's uniform for a very skimpy ensemble as she soaked up the sun during a recent getaway with pals The actress, who has played Nurse Trixie Franklin (L) on the show since it's inception in 2012, flaunted major sideboob as she went braless beneath a plunging black vest Following her trip with family and friends she then jetted off to Puglia, Italy, posting a snap of herself in a chic gold mini dress with 1K YSL bag. It comes after her former co-star Olly Rix has landed a huge new role on BBC's Casualty, after quitting Call The Midwife. The actor, who played Matthew Aylward in the series, landed a part on the medical drama amid reports he and onscreen wife Helen 'drifted apart' after leaning on each other for support following their splits from their respective partners. According to The Sun, viewers will see Olly star as a hunky surgeon on Casualty sometime next year. A TV insider told the publication: 'He has already got viewers' hot under the collar on Call the Midwife, but their pulses will be truly racing when they see Olly embrace the steamy new role. 'Although filming on the new series has been going on for weeks now, fans of Olly will have to wait until next year before they get the chance to see him on Casualty.' It was revealed that Helen had split from her partner Jack Ashton in July 2023 after seven years together, whilst Olly separated from his girlfriend Natasha Fagri at a similar time. In October she was snapped leaving Olly's home which sparked rumours of a growing connection between the pair. Posting to Instagram the actress also wore a pair of tiny denim hotpants and stylish red top as she playfully poked out her tongue She posed in the sunshine with her nearest and dearest Following her trip with family and friends she then jetted off to Puglia, Italy , posting a snap of herself in a chic gold mini dress with 1K YSL bag Now it seems Olly has unfollowed Helen on Instagram, although she still follows him. A source told The Sun on Sunday: 'They were there for each other in the wake of their splits. 'But it seems they are no longer close and have made this clear by removing each other on social media. 'Olly even went one step further and deleted a picture of him and Helen from Instagram.' MailOnline contacted representatives for both Helen George and Olly Rix for comment. Olly was seen reuniting with his ex Natasha at a Notting Hill cafe in November, four months after it was revealed they had split. The actor was pictured with his ex-girlfriend at the west London spot, just days after his on-screen wife Helen was spotted leaving his house. The former couple, who split in July after seven years together, put on an amicable display as they greeted each other with a hug and chatted inside the cafe. Olly left their meeting alone, holding a takeaway coffee in his hand and listening to his Apple AirPods. It is unclear whether Olly and Natasha had arranged to meet or if they had bumped into each other by coincidence. It comes after her former co-star Olly Rix has landed a huge new role on BBC 's Casualty, after quitting Call The Midwife (pictured together on the show) The actor landed a part on the medical drama amid reports he and onscreen wife Helen 'drifted apart' after leaning on each other for support following their splits from their respective partners It was revealed that Helen had split from her partner Jack Ashton, who also stars in CTM) in July 2023 after seven years together Olly separated from his girlfriend Natasha Fagri at a similar time It came after Helen was snapped leaving Olly's home in October, sparking rumours of a growing connection following their recent breakups. They were said to be supporting each other as they navigate through their heartbreak. Olly was spotted outside his home before returning with two coffees, with Helen emerging a few hours later. An onlooker told The Sun on Sunday how Olly 'looked relaxed' and when Helen left the premises, she looked a 'little dishevelled'. The sightings have fuelled speculation about a budding bond between the two co-stars who share a close connection, despite Olly's character reportedly being written out of the show. An insider said: 'It's been a tricky year for both Helen and Olly. They have been spending a lot of time together on set, walking their dogs together and chatting a lot. 'They both have respect for each other as actors and they are supportive of each other and dedicated to their roles on the drama. The changes in their relationships have caused a lot of upheaval.' A spokesperson for Helen said: 'Yes, she went to visit a friend for a cup of tea - like all friends do - and as we have always said, there is nothing more to this.' Advertisement Leonardo DiCaprio got stung by a jellyfish while enjoying another idyllic yacht day in Sardinia with girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti this week. The Oscar-winner, 49, showed off his shirtless frame as he pulled up his swimming trunks to reveal a angry red mark on his leg - while a concerned Vittoria, 26, checked out the injury. Titanic star Leo splashed his leg in the outdoor shower as he chatted with his partner - who recently ignited engagement speculation by wearing a silver diamond ring. Vittoria displayed her supermodel frame in a tiny black string thong bikini which showcased her pert posterior and taut midriff. The Revenant actor was also seen relaxing aboard the yacht with his hair in a top knot before sporting some goggles as he went swimming. Leonardo DiCaprio got stung by a jellyfish while enjoying another idyllic yacht day in Sardinia with girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti this week The Oscar-winner, 49, showed off his shirtless frame as he pulled up his swimming trunks to reveal a angry red mark on his leg - while a concerned Vittoria, 26, checked out the injury The star was seen examining a red patch on his leg during the day He is holidaying with BFF Tobey Maguire, 49, who is also in an age-gap romance with Babette Strijbos, 24 - with the new couple seen kissing in exclusive DailyMail.com photos last week. Leo and Vittoria who have been dating since summer 2023 first sparked engagement speculation earlier this year when Vittoria was seen wearing a silver diamond ring in LA. But an insider told TMZ at the time that the couple were not engaged and that she'd owned that particular ring since 2022. The heart-shaped ring appears to be a new addition to Vittoria's jewelry collection and it has renewed interest in the idea of Leonardo Hollywood's most infamous Lothario finally settling down. Vittoria also wore a similar ring on her right pinky finger during Wednesday's lunch date in Nerano. Leo and Vittoria were first linked over the summer of last year, when she had just turned 25, and have been spotted together on several occasions since. However in March of this year, Leo was spotted putting on a cozy display at a pre-Oscars party with none other than songstress Teyana Taylor, with whom he has been filming the upcoming Paul Thomas Anderson movie. At the pre-Oscars party, Teyana was glimpsed gently caressing Leo's face, and he in turn was seen tapping her on the derriere, according to TMZ. Leo splashed his leg in the outdoor shower as he chatted with his partner - who recently ignited engagement speculation by wearing a silver diamond ring The pair looked smitten as they chatted outside during another idyllic day at sea The star showed off his stung leg as he chatted with Vittoria Vittoria was seen embracing her boyfriend during the day The pair appeared to share a kiss as they chatted onboard the yacht Leo was making the most of his European break Leo hoisted his swimming trunks up as he showed off his sting to his partner Leo swept his hair up into a topknot as he took in the views Vittoria put on a cheeky display in a thong bikini for the day The couple were seen enjoying a dip during the day Leo showed off his frame as he enjoyed his day aboard the yacht The couple checked out the water ahead of diving in The Titanic star sported goggles as he took a dip in Sardinia However, later that same month, he was spotted enjoying a lunch date with Vittoria in Los Angeles, indicating their relationship was still going strong. Vittoria was even sporting a gleaming silver ring on her left hand fourth finger - but TMZ reported at the time that the couple were not engaged. Near the end of March, Leo and Vittoria were spotted out to dinner at the Santa Monica celebrity hot spot Giorgio Baldi - and she then drove them from the venue. 'The restaurant has been Leo's favorite for years and he's enjoyed date nights with Vittoria several times,' an insider explained to People. 'She's, of course, Italian, so she takes care of ordering all the favorites,' said the source. 'She is very cute, sweet and charming. Leo seems to really like her.' Vittoria and Leo are said to have met at last year's Cannes Film Festival, where his new Martin Scorsese movie Killers Of The Flower Moon was premiering. Leo showed off his jellyfish stint onboard the yacht DiCaprio's BFF Tobey Maguire, 49, was also aboard the yacht Leo enjoyed a refreshing dip during the day The couple showed off their beach bodies during the day Leo was seen getting his injury attended to as Vittoria looked on Leo showed off his shirtless frame as he soaked up the sun Maguire is also romancing a model half his age - Babette Strijbos, 24 They were first linked in August 2023, after a flurry of rumors that had connected Leo to Vittoria's fellow supermodel Gigi Hadid. Vittoria was previously married from 2020 until 2023 to the Italian DJ Matteo Milleri, who is part of the Berlin-based duo Tale Of Us. Vittoria was discovered in 2012 and has since walked over 400 fashion shows, as well as covering various international editions of Vogue 23 times. She has spoken candidly in the past about the habits that have enabled her to retain her lithe physique and luminous complexion. 'I always try to eat healthily. I go to the gym when Im home or do some yoga if I have the time off,' she explained to Elite Model Look. 'I always make sure to wash my face at morning and at night, moisturizing my skin before I leave home or before I go to bed,' she added. 'I apply a face mask for when my skin feels tired or if Ive worked for a while,' noted Vittoria, who originally hails from Brescia in the shadow of the Italian Alps. 'I try not to eat lots of junk food,' she told W.'In the morning I always eat fruit and yogurt with cereal. And for lunch and dinner I always have vegetables as a side.' As far as beverages are concerned, she shared: 'I love smoothies and Vitamin Water, but I always have some iced tea in my fridge!' Leo had his injury attended to during the day Vittoria showed off her natural beauty by going make-up free on the day In the workout department, she dished: 'When Im not working I go for runs. I live around many parks, so its nice to feel like youre not surrounded by the city.' Leo has a history of high-profile relationships, primarily with gorgeous models under the age of 25. Notably, he had a famous five-year romance with model Gisele Bundchen, starting when she was just 18. This was followed by another five-year relationship with Bar Refaeli and a brief fling with actress Blake Lively. Actor Akili McDowell has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the shooting death of a 20-year-old man in Houston, Texas on July 20. McDowell, 21, who has starred in Billions and David Makes Man, was booked into the Harris County Jail on Thursday, August 1 on charges of murder and theft. The Harris County Sheriff's Office confirmed McDowell had been charged with the murder of Cesar Peralta in a social media post on August 3. Deputies responded to an incident that occurred in the parking lot of an apartment complex at 13503 North Thorntree, near Wallisville and Uvalde in East Harris County around 9.15pm. The post read: 'An adult male (possibly in his 20s) sustained gunshot wounds and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Suspect(s) fled the scene.' An update to the post read: 'Homicide Investigators charged Akili McDowell (21) with murder in the shooting death of Cesar Peralta (20). McDowell was recently taken into custody and booked into the Harris County Jail.' Actor Akili McDowell has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the shooting death of a 20-year-old man in Houston, Texas on July 20 - pictured 2019 McDowell, 21, who has starred in Billions and David Makes Man, was booked into the Harris County Jail on Thursday, August 1 on charges of murder and theft 'The investigation is on-going and we encourage anyone with info to contact the Homicide Unit at 713-274-9100.' Peralta was not armed. It is currently not known how McDowell was identified as a suspect, apprehended or if he knew the victim. Per online jail records, McDowell is being held on $400,000 bond for the murder charge and has a court appearance scheduled for Monday, August 5. Per Click2Houston, his bond is set at $210 for the theft offense. He has a further court date appearance scheduled August 6 for the theft charge, and an additional date on October 9 for the murder charge. McDowells manager Jonell Whitt told Law&Crime the arrest was a 'an unfortunate situation and I am in prayer for Akili and those impacted by this tragedy. 'I respectfully have no comment at this time.' He guest-starred as Savion Williams in Billions in 2020 - pictured with Damien Lewis McDowell is known for starring as David in OWN's David Makes Man - he is pictured with executive producers Oprah Winfrey, Michael B. Jordan and Tarell Alvin McCraney at the 2019 premiere David Makes Man followed a 14-year-old named David from the projects 'who is haunted by the death of his friend and relied on by his hardworking mother to find a way out of poverty Jail records obtained by the publication show the theft charge appears to be connected to a misdemeanor case from July 2023 after McDowell allegedly stole a pair of headphones. Documents stated that he was 'charged with murder while on bond for theft.' McDowell is known for starring as David in OWN's David Makes Man which followed a 14-year-old named David from the projects 'who is haunted by the death of his friend and relied on by his hardworking mother to find a way out of poverty.' The show was executive produced by broadcasting icon Oprah Winfrey and actor Michael B. Jordan and ran for two seasons. It scored a Critics Choice Awards nomination for Best Drama Series in 2019. He guest-starred as Savion Williams in Billions in 2020, as well as the role of Zavier Gibbs in The Astronaut Wives Club. Last month his newest project, The Waterboyz was among the winners of this years Best of ABFF Awards at the American Black Film Festival. Big Brother's Narinder Kaur has admitted she and her husband are too scared to let their children leave the house amid the UK's 'race riots'. The broadcaster, 52, whose parents emigrated from India, said she had been left 'distressed and disheartened' at the sight of far-right thugs targeting ethnic communities, decades after she was spat at for the colour of her skin. Community centres, charities and local businesses were targeted in shameful scenes this weekend that have blighted towns and cities across the country in the wake of last week's Southport stabbing attack. Narinder wrote in The Mirror: 'I'm scared to lets the kids out of the house at all. My husband and I are wary of travelling around London, a city weve usually felt safe in, because were worried about our safety amidst these race riots. The threat is real and personal'. She went on to explain how she was concerned for her home city of Leicester and family and friends who continue to live there 'in fear', blaming those who 'add fuel to the fire' like politicians Suella Braverman and Kemi Badenoch. Big Brother's Narinder Kaur, 52, has admitted she and her husband are too scared to let their children leave the house amid the UK's 'race riots' The broadcaster, whos parents emigrated from India, said she had been left 'distressed and disheartened'- decades after she was spat at for the colour of her skin (pictured with her kids) Community centres, charities and local businesses were targeted in shameful scenes this weekend that have blighted towns and cities (Rotherham pictured) Writing: 'Growing up in the 80s, I faced my own battles with racism. The National Front would hand out leaflets outside my school, spreading their vile propaganda. I was spat at and chucked around by other children, simply for being different'. Revealing that the situation became 'so dire' a separate entrance had to be created for her to enter and leave school, in a bit to keep her safe. Narinder continued: 'It is deeply unsettling to realise that now, in 2024, we are facing a resurgence of that same vile bigotry. It is heartbreaking to see the fear in the eyes of the new generation, children and young adults who should be growing up in a society free of such hatred. The attacks in Leicester are not isolated incidents but part of a disturbing trend of rising racism and xenophobia across the UK'. It comes as shops, banks and GP surgeries across the country shut early on Monday amid fears of further rioting in the wake of the Southport stabbings. Reports spread on social media suggesting a 'riot' was set to hit the West Yorkshire town of Huddersfield at 1pm, while protesters gathered in Birmingham after rumours of a gathering spread online. Thugs clashed with police in Plymouth as two groups of protesters were separated by riot officers - with a commanding officer describing the policing efforts needed as 'off the scale' with 150 officers deployed in the city centre. Frightened by the despairing scenes of violence and looting in other UK cities in recent days, many businesses have chosen to pull down the shutters ahead of time - while police have been mobilised in the town centre. Elsewhere, staff and students at Oxford University were warned to avoid the area around the Carfax Tower in the city centre ahead of a feared protest. Narinder wrote 'I'm scared to lets the kids out of the house at all. My husband and I are wary of travelling around London, a city weve usually felt safe in' She went on to explain how she was concerned for her home city of Leicester and family and friends who continue to live there 'in fear' A GP surgery in Birmingham also closed as hundreds of Muslims turned out to counter a rumoured far-right gathering while in Plymouth, arrests were made as anti-immigration protesters clashed with anti-fascists. In Southport, meanwhile, locals have turned out peacefully with balloons, teddies and flowers to remember the victims of the attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class last Monday. It comes as some of the first rioting suspects were hauled before court after being arrested in connection with the outrageous scenes across the country in recent days - some of whom wept in the dock as charges were read out. Around 80 per cent of shops and businesses in Huddersfield town centre have shut their doors or pulled down their shutters in the anticipation of possible looting. Barclays and NatWest banks, as well as McDonalds have closed until tomorrow morning. Hairdressers, shoe shops and clothing stores are also closed for 'staff safety'. West Yorkshire Police has deployed a dozen or so officers in St George's Square, outside the railway station and in which stands the statue of former Prime Minister Harold Wilson. It said in a statement reported by Yorkshire Live: 'We are of course aware of recent disorder across the country and continue to monitor relevant intelligence relating to the possibility of further incidents.' Reports suggest some of the businesses that closed were run by Asian people - and Asian men travelled from other towns to be there to protect them. One man travelled from Leeds, and told Sky News: 'We don't want this. This is our country just as much as it is theirs. Muslims are not bad. Our religion is not bad. We're good people.' It comes as shops, banks and GP surgeries across the country shut early on Monday amid fears of further rioting in the wake of the Southport stabbings (Sunday Riots pictured) Reports spread on social media suggesting a 'riot' was set to hit the West Yorkshire town of Huddersfield at 1pm, while protesters gathered in Birmingham after rumours of a gathering spread online It is thought an account created on X, formerly Twitter, is responsible for the Huddersfield claims. The account was created in May this year and only began posting yesterday, suggesting there would be a 'riot on Monday In Hudderfield (sic) at 1 pm at the Townhall'. It has not posted since 11am. Tiny groups of locals are sitting around and a small quiet group of counter-protestors. One holding a sign reading 'hate will lose' is sitting on the steps of the railway station entrance. Oxford University staff received an email warning them to 'consider alternate routes home' amid a planned protest 'linked to recent unrest'. Hundreds of anti-racism protesters gathered at the Carfax Tower but largely passed without incident, reports the Oxford Mail. I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Australia viewers have threatened to boycott the Channel Ten series amid reports the Irwins are attempting to take it over. Daily Mail Australia exclusively revealed on Saturday that 'mumager' Terri Irwin may be attempting to secure a co-host position for Bindi alongside Robert next year. Though Channel Ten have denied the rumours, fans have flocked together with threats they'll never watch the show again if Terri, 60, installs her kids as sole hosts. 'Another reason to avoid Channel 10,' one disgruntled Facebook user wrote, while someone else added: 'That's one way to tank the show.' Others commented, 'The end,' and: 'RIP Channel 10, you have lost the plot.' 'No way, Bindi, let this be Robert's time to shine. Don't take this from him,' yet another begged. Several others said they'd rather see the whole show be cancelled than Julia Morris be supplanted by the Irwins. 'If that's the case then cancel the whole show in my opinion. I'm sure I won't be watching it,' a viewer commented. I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Australia viewers have threatened to boycott the Channel Ten series amid reports the Irwins are attempting to take it over. Pictured: hosts Robert Irwin and Julia Morris 'I won't be watching it, couldn't get any worse...' another agreed. More furious messages rolled in soon after, including, 'Couldn't stand it,' 'Hope not!' and, 'Got to be kidding,' alongside angry emoji reactions. 'No thanks, don't like either of them. If [Bindi does take over], people will never watch it,' one user commented. Another wrote: 'What? They only know about animals. They are excellent on the animal farm they own. TV has real people.' Daily Mail Australia exclusively revealed on Saturday that 'mumager' Terri Irwin, 60, (right) may be attempting to secure a co-host position for Bindi, 26, (centre) alongside Robert, 20, next year The uproar comes just days after Daily Mail Australia revealed Bindi, 26, could be set to step in and host I'm A Celebrity Australia alongside her younger brother Robert. Conservationist Robert, 20, made a glowing impression on fans when he took over as co-host of I'm A Celebrity this year alongside longtime presenter Julia Morris. He nabbed two Logies nominations just months after his big debut, and is up against TV veteran Julia, 56, in the most popular presenter and personality categories. Amid his huge success, rumours have started swirling that Terri is pushing for Bindi to join the franchise as Robert's co-host in 2025 - which Channel 10 has denied. Though Channel Ten have denied the rumours, fans have flocked together with threats they'll never watch the show again if Terri installs her kids as sole hosts An insider told Daily Mail Australia: 'I'd say someone at Ten is looking at how they can guarantee I'm A Celebrity's return for the next ten years and that is why there is the potential for the Irwins to completely take over the celebrity-based-competition.' Mumager Terri, who runs Australia Zoo with her two children, is said to be keen to see Bindi join Robert as co-host to give the reality show a 'refresh'. 'Terri would have more control over the show and this would be an exciting refresh of the brand,' the source continued. 'The Irwins would love to contribute their passion and positivity to the show and create more awareness of our natural world.' 'Another reason to avoid Channel 10,' one disgruntled Facebook user wrote, while someone else added: 'That's one way to tank the show' The insider also claimed Robert's recent appearance on The Project to interview his older sister Bindi was a 'screen test' to check on their on-screen hosting chemistry. They shared: 'These things aren't a mistake. They don't happen by accident and this was a great opportunity to see what the chemistry would be like if executives put them together in the jungle. Australia watched a live screen test.' However, Channel 10 denied the claims as they insisted there are no plans to replace Julia as Robert's co-host. A spokesperson said: 'There is no truth to this rumour. Julia Morris is synonymous with I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! and our viewers love her. 'The chemistry between Robert and Julia in the jungle this year has really resonated with audiences. 'They're both nominated for the TV Week Gold Logie, the third time for Julia, and both are also up for the Bert Newton Award for Most Popular Presenter, so we know this hosting combo is a hit with fans.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Irwins' representatives for comment. Charlotte Dawson has broken her silence and says she's been left 'devastated' after fiance Matthew Sarsfield allegedly sexted another woman. The Ex On The Beach star, 31, who shares sons Noah, three, and Jude, 11 months, with the rugby league star, said while being 'extremely hurt' her main priority now was their children. The daughter of late comic Les Dawson, who has been with Matthew for eight-years and recently returned from a family holiday in Mallorca, took to her Instagram Stories with a statement on Monday. Writing: I've had loads of messages regarding mine and Matthew's relationship and I wanted to just be honest with all of you as I navigate through this'. 'I was in complete shock and devastated'. Charlotte Dawson, 31, has broken her silence and says she's been left 'devastated' after fiance Matthew Sarsfield allegedly sexted another woman The Ex On The Beach star,who shares sons Noah, three, and Jude, 11 months, with the rugby league star, said while being 'extremely hurt' her main priority now was their children 'Whilst so many of you have been kind and caring, there have been a number of people that have said I've sold this story for money. This is completely false and I would never do this to my family or myself'. 'The story was sold by the girl and I have no idea who she is I'm extremely hurt, upset and disappointed about the situation'. She continued: 'It's hard enough going through something like this in private, let alone publicly. My only focus right now is on my beautiful boys as they are my main priority'. 'Thank you to everyone who has shared their love and support. It doesn't go unnoticed.' It comes after Emily Louise Hodgkinson, 34, told the The Mirror that she was left 'shocked' when the former Swinton Lions player sent her an intimate picture to her. The pair met through Emily's ex, who played rugby with Matthew, and followed each other on Instagram. She said: 'I feel so sorry for Charlotte. How could he do that to her? I'd be mortified if a partner did that to me behind my back.' Emily said she took a screenshot of the image and added that Matthew appeared to be 'worried' as he asked her what she planned to do with the photograph. The daughter of late comic Les Dawson, who has been with Matthew for eight-years and recently returned from a family holiday in Mallorca, took to her Instagram Stories Writing: I've had loads of messages regarding mine and Matthew's relationship and I wanted to just be honest with all of you as I navigate through this' MailOnline have contacted Charlotte and Matthew's representatives for comment. The shocking revelations comes after Charlotte recently got very candid about her dwindling sex life with fiance Matt last week and joked her kids are 'c***blocking' her. Just mere weeks ago, the mother-of-two launched her brand-new podcast Charlotte Dawson's Naughty Corner, as a place for mothers to share parenting mistakes they have made that would land them in the naughty corner. In the first episode, Charlotte told her co-host Janine Marsh how both Noah and Jude have negatively impacted her and Matt's sex life. She recalled a specific incident with Matt in an infinity pool, during a family holiday to the Maldives in April. Charlotte began: 'So, I was recently in the Maldives, which was fabulous. And me and Matthew felt - I think it was the heat - Matthew's like, "Come on, we need to". 'It's like we have to book sex in now. It used to be a couple of times a week, now it's like once every two months. 'So, Matthew's like, "Come on, it's been a while, now." And I'm like, I know, but I just can't be arsed." 'But, we had this lovely infinity pool, it was amazing. And we kept getting in the pool with Noah and Jude, obviously, but Jude was having a little sleep.' Despite not being in the mood previously, something about the pool changed Charlotte's mind. It comes after Emily Louise Hodgkinson, 34, said she was left 'shocked' when the former Swinton Lions player sent her an intimate picture to her The woman he sent the image to is thought to have taken a screenshot of the intimate picture which left Matthew 'worried' She continued: 'Me and Matt and Noah were in the pool and we were just looking at each other. And for some reason we were both just like two animals, saying: "I wanna eat ya!" 'We were looking at Noah and he was playing with his little Avengers and I was like, "What should we do? Noah's just there." 'We were obviously kissing and stuff, just having a cuddle and a kiss, I think that's nice to do that in front of your kids. Not sexual kissing like not a proper snog. 'Sometimes it's nice when he sees us and says, "Ah, Mummy and Daddy!" And comes and joins us and has a cuddle and really c***blocks us.' 'So, we obviously had a kiss and a cuddle and we were looking at him, like, "What should we do, here? Do you reckon we'll get away with it, or what?" 'We actually voted against it. We had to vote against it which we were absolutely devastated about because we were ready and raring. It would have been a bloody belting sexual thing happening there.' Good Morning Britain was branded 'embarrassing to the extreme' by viewers after Ed Balls interviewed his wife Yvette Cooper in a 'huge conflict of interests' on Monday's episode. Ed, 57, interviewed Home Secretary Yvette, 55, alongside Kate Garraway, who made her triumphant return to GMB following her father's illness. Yvette was on the breakfast programme to discuss whether the police's response to the nationwide riots had been sufficient. Ed and Kate questioned Yvette on the government's refusal to label the riots 'Islamophobic', as posed earlier in the programme by Zarah Sultana. Yvette began: 'What we've seen on the streets of some cities and towns over the weekend frankly is criminal violence and thuggery. That is what it is first and foremost, and that's why it needs the full force of the law behind it.' Good Morning Britain was branded 'embarrassing to the extreme' by viewers after Ed Balls, 57, interviewed his wife Yvette Cooper, 55, in a 'huge conflict of interests' on Monday's episode Ed interviewed Home Secretary Yvette alongside Kate Garraway, 57, who made her triumphant return to GMB following her father's illness Ed and Kate questioned Yvette on the government's refusal to label the riots 'Islamophobic', as posed earlier in the programme by Zarah Sultana She added: 'We have certainly seen some targetted attacks on mosques, and that clearly reflects Islamophobia.' Largely ignoring the content of the interview, GMB viewers took exception to the decision to put Ed in such a compromising position on X, formerly Twitter. They wrote: 'Does @GMB realise just how utterly ridiculous it looks by continuing to invite @edballs on as a presenter whilst he defends the actions of the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, his wife!?' 'Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is asked why the govt hasn't used the term "Islamophobic". In her answer Cooper (finally) uses the word. As for husband interviewing wife, how does #GMB think this is tenable?' 'Ed who's just treated @zarahsultana with contempt for suggesting MSM plays it's part in whipping up hate is about to interview his wife in an obvious conflict of interests even for a 5-year-old viewer. Stick to Kerry Katona and Strictly #Gmb' 'Interesting that Ed Balls doesnt interrupt his wife when interviewing but with other guests he does every 5 mins #gmb #goodmorningbritain' 'Ed Balls is going to interview his wife? How is this @GMB being impartial and NOT a huge conflict of interest, embarrassing in the extreme... and he hasn't talked to the home secretery about her job and the situation... really? (sic)' 'Is it really appropriate that Ed Balls is hosting news coverage directly concerning the response to the protests of his wife and the government she is a part of?' 'Sorry this is insane! You cant have Ed Balls on a program interviewing his own wife, what a stupid stupid editorial decision! I cant believe Yvette Cooper went along with this!' 'Why is Yvette Coopers husband (Ed Balls) allowed to defend her abysmal handling of the race riots? Im not sure this is allowed?'; 'I dont think Ed Balls should be interviewing Yvette Cooper on GMB. Theyre a married couple. Its ridiculous.' 'Surely good practice would mean that Ed Balls should not be on a programme that is featuring his wife, the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper . Get it sorted @gmb.' Ed and Yvette have been married since 1998 and share three children: Joe Balls, Mady Balls, and Ellie Cooper Largely ignoring the content of the interview, GMB viewers took exception to the decision to put Ed in that position on X, formerly Twitter Ed and Yvette have been married since 1998 and share three children: Joe Balls, Mady Balls, and Ellie Cooper Downing Street is expected to hold a Cobra emergency response meeting this morning after hundreds of far right thugs were arrested in riots which saw attacks on police and buildings set alight 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. Monday's meeting is due to involve relevant ministers and police representatives who will discuss the response in the coming days to ensure Britain is brought back from the edge of nationwide chaos. Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly said this week's violence is 'clearly far-right extremism' that is 'driven by racism' and said he would have called a Cobra meeting sooner. Riots have broken out across the country fuelled by misinformation on social media since three little girls were stabbed to death at a Taylor Swift themed dance class in Southport on Monday. Hundreds of police officers have been injured in clashes with thugs, as far-right activists led the way in attacking police officers, mosques and hotels thought to house asylum seekers this week. Islamophobic chants were heard and in some areas of the country rioters were filmed stopping cars and interrogating drivers about whether they were 'white and English'. Speaking ahead of the Cobra meeting, the Home Secretary said the Government is not recalling Parliament 'right now'. The killing of Hamas leader threatens to derail any hopes for a ceasefire in Gaza further complicating efforts for peace in the region Israel seems to have eliminated Hamas leader Haniyeh, using an airborne guided projectile in an early morning attack. Haniyeh was in Iran for the Iranian presidents swearing-in ceremony as a state guest and was staying in one of the residences for veterans. The events in the Middle East are shaping dangerously, the things as they are turning out to be, it's not out of the scope of imagination that soon Iran may be part of a major regional conflict. We have already seen that a confrontation between Hezbollah and Israel is underway in Lebanon. However, Israel has still not taken responsibility for the strike. Israel has been accusing Iran of harbouring Hamas leaders like Haniyeh and has openly vowed to kill them. Israel not taking responsibility for the attack shows that it does not want a direct confirmation with Iran right now. It remains to be seen how things play out, there is also a section in Israel that is suspicious of Iran's state medias claim that Haniyeh has even been killed. Having said that there are little or no takers of the version that Israel is not responsible for the killing of Hamas's political leader. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa has condemned the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh and termed it a violation of the entire international rule of law. The act is a grave violation of Irans sovereignty and the supposed security bubble of the Iranian capital. This is likely to have far-reaching consequences in the short and the long term. Haniyeh, normally based in Qatar, had been the face of international diplomacy for Hamas. He had been an important part of internationally brokered indirect talks on reaching a ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave. This killing appears to set back chances of any imminent ceasefire agreement in the 10-month-old war in Gaza and Lebanon. Vowing to retaliate, Iran declared three days of national mourning. Iran has blamed the U.S. for providing Israel with the missiles that have been fired, and hence holding it directly responsible. The US itself has accepted that the risk of escalation is certainly up right now. The killing of Haniyeh has made the task of de-escalation, deterrence and dissuasion towards war, which is the goal of the UN and the international community, much more complicated. It has given a reason for those who want things to escalate on both sides to scuttle chances of peace and also provided them with the fodder to fuel further attacks on each other with impunity. The immediate consequences of this escalation, Netanyahu will get support from the far right in Israel and he may push for attacks deeper into Lebanon. Hezbollah will find legitimacy in taking on any possible target in Israel, civil or military. Iran would find it convenient to directly use some of its missiles against Israel and the yardstick to judge its effectiveness would be the number of civilians killed. The Houthis will attack commercial ships in the Red Sea even more, leading to loss of business and livelihood across the world. Palestinians would cry on the streets for lack of food and medicine even more, but like always would only get lip service. Oil prices will go up and some people will make even more money. More arms would be sold and better technology would be used to kill more people in less time. More and more areas may become dangerous even for the media. Schools and hospitals may be targeted even more since all the terrorists are hiding there only. In the US leaders would keep blaming each other for the escalation with each side doing what is required to be done to get votes. UN is likely to look even more helpless in the days to come. Apart from this humanity would be disgraced for it does not feel ashamed of any act of inhuman violent behaviour anymore. Aircraft carriers from the US will be deployed to safeguard the territorial integrity of Israel. There will be calls for people to join hands in the name of religion, and they will, only humanity will be divided and more people will die. Some people in India may find this killing of Haniyeh a great act of bravery, and they may even ask the political hierarchy to take lessons or even replicate this kind of attack. Little do they realise that Israel has been fighting for existence, and are not at peace with themselves, peace has eluded them since their existence. However, we as a country are at peace and no one can dare challenge our existence, and hence we should never think of acting whimsically. (The writer is expert on geopolitics and international Affairs. The views expressed are personal) As the world commemorates the 79th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan contemplates pivotal shift in its defence policy As the world commemorates the 79th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, a profound moment of reflection intersects with a pivotal shift in Japan's defence policy. On August 6 and 9, 1945, the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan were devastated by atomic bombs dropped by the United States, marking a pivotal moment in World War II and the history of warfare. The bombings resulted in the immediate deaths of tens of thousands of people, with the total number of casualties, including those from radiation sickness and injuries, rising to over 200,000. Hiroshima, targeted first, saw the "Little Boy" bomb obliterate much of the city, while Nagasaki was struck by the "Fat Man" bomb three days later. The immense destruction and loss of life precipitated Japan's surrender on August 15, 1945, effectively ending World War II. These events also ushered in the nuclear age, highlighting the devastating power of atomic weapons and sparking global debates on nuclear ethics, warfare, and disarmament. The bombings remain a somber reminder of the catastrophic consequences of nuclear conflict and the importance of striving for peace and international cooperation. The devastation, which claimed the lives of civilians, imprinted an indelible mark on the nation's collective consciousness and laid the foundation for its pacifist constitution. In the aftermath of these horrific events, Japan adopted a policy of defensive neutrality, enshrined in Article 9 of its constitution, renouncing war and prohibiting the maintenance of armed forces for combat. This commitment to pacifism became a cornerstone of Japan's identity, earning it a place of respect in the global community and even frequent nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize. However, as the world grapples with evolving geopolitical threats, Japan has announced a significant shift in its defence policy. The government has decided to allocate 2% of its GDP to defence spending, marking a departure from its longstanding pacifist stance. This decision, driven by perceived threats from North Korea and China, positions Japan as the second-largest arms importer globally, following Saudi Arabia. Japan's new national security strategy is a response to the growing tensions in the region. North Korea has already conducted missile tests capable of reaching Japanese territory, while China's increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea and its broader regional ambitions have raised alarms in Tokyo. These developments have prompted Japan to reconsider its post-World War II defence posture. Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a staunch advocate for revising Japan's pacifist constitution, argued that the nation must strengthen its military capabilities to counter regional threats. Although Abe's tenure saw some legislative changes allowing for a modest self-defence force, widespread public opposition prevented a complete overhaul of Article 9. Nonetheless, Abe's vision of a robust Japanese military continues to influence current policies. Current Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, with the backing of both the House of Councillors and the House of Representatives, has pressed forward with this new defence agenda. However, public sentiment remains largely against these changes. According to a Kyodo News Agency survey, 80% of the population opposes the government's constitutional amendment efforts, reflecting a deep-rooted commitment to pacifism among the Japanese people. The decision to shift defence policies on the anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki is particularly poignant. The memories of the atomic bombings serve as a stark reminder of the horrors of war and the importance of peace. The destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was not just a military strategy but also an unprecedented human tragedy. The bombings, justified by the U.S. as necessary to end the war, were, in reality, cruel scientific experiments that unleashed untold suffering and long-term consequences. The atomic bombings forced Japan to adopt a peace-oriented constitution, promoting disarmament and dialogue over conflict. Article 9 has been a symbol of hope and a testament to Japan's commitment to ensuring that such devastation never occurs again. The policy shift, therefore, raises important questions about the future of pacifism in Japan and its role in international peace and security. As Japan increases its defence budget and modernizes its military capabilities, it steps into a complex and competitive arms race. The nation that once stood as a beacon of pacifism now finds itself at a crossroads, balancing its historical commitment to peace with the pressing need to address contemporary security challenges. The legacy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki endures, reminding the world of the catastrophic consequences of war and the enduring value of peace. As Japan navigates this new defence trajectory, it must reconcile its past with its present, ensuring that the principles of peace and humanity remain at the forefront of its national identity. In the shadow of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan's defence policy evolution marks a significant chapter in its history. The world watches closely as Japan seeks to uphold its commitment to peace while safeguarding its future in an increasingly uncertain global landscape. The devastating bombings marked a turning point in World War II, leading to Japan's surrender and the end of the conflict. These tragic events imprinted a commitment to pacifism in Japan's national consciousness, enshrined in its post-war constitution. However, with rising geopolitical threats from North Korea's missile tests and China's regional ambitions, Japan has no choice but to reconsider its pacifist stance and increase its defence spending, sparking a national debate on the future of its long-held commitment to peace. (The writer is an asssociate professor Centre For South Asian Studies, School of International Studies & Social Sciences Pondicherry Central University; views are personal) With Bangladesh descending into chaos, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina surreptitiously fled the country in a military aircraft on Monday and the Army stepped in to fill the power vacuum, ending one uncertain chapter and opening another in the nations restive history. As news of Hasinas departure spread, hundreds broke into Hasinas residence, vandalising and looting the interiors, providing dramatic expression to the anti-Government protests that have killed more than 100 people in the last two days. At the entre of people anger is the Hasina Governments controversial quota system reserving 30 per cent jobs for families of veterans who fought the 1971 liberation war. With volatile crowds taking to the streets some clambering on Hasinas father and Bangladesh founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahmans statue and smashing it with hammers in a lasting image underscoring the fickleness of history Army chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman announced that the 76-year-old Prime Minister has resigned. An interim Government will be taking over, he said in a televised address amid feverish speculation about where Hasina was headed. Im taking all responsibility (of the country). Please cooperate, Zaman added, signalling the end of Hasinas 15-year power run. The Army chief said he had met political leaders and told them the Army would take over responsibility for law and order. However, there were no leaders from Hasinas Awami League party at the meeting. As protests spiralled across the country, the Army chief said he had asked both Army and police not to fire any shots. Zaman also urged restraint and asked protesters to end the violence. He vowed justice for all the people. In Dhaka, restive crowds, swarmed the airport and even spilled into the runway. The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in the citys Dhanmondi area was damaged. Four Hindu temples suffered minor damages across the country, eyewitnesses and a community leader said. The Bangabandhu memorial museum dedicated to Mujibur Rahman who was assassinated along with his wife and their three sons while serving as president in 1975 was also vandalised. Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana had survived the purge as they were abroad. Hasina then spent six years in exile in India. The home of Dr Wajed Miah, Hasinas husband, was not spared either in the vortex of violence on Monday, local reports said. From Ganabhadan, the Prime Ministers official residence, came extraordinary visuals of protesters storming in and walking away with sofas and even chairs. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who resigned on Monday, arrived at the Hindon airbase, Ghaziabad in a Bangladesh air force transport aircraft. She is reportedly planning to leave for London after a brief stopover at the airbase. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met Hasina at Hindon Air Base. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the situation in Bangladesh, sources said. Taking note of the fast evolving situation in Bangladesh, the BSF was on high alert while the Delhi Police further strengthened security around the Bangladesh High Commission in the national Capital. Air India and Indigo announced the suspension of their operations to and from Dhaka. Hasinas C-130 plane landed at the Hindon airbase in the evening. Indian Air Force fighter jets were airborne as soon as her aircraft entered Indian air space and kept an eye on it for some time, sources said. However, they said it was not immediately clear whether the military transport aircraft will take her beyond India or she will travel to London in a different plane. Hasina is likely to meet her daughter Saima Wazed, who is based in Delhi. Wazed is working as the World Health Organisations regional director for South-East Asia. Sources said India decided to provide a safe passage through the Indian airspace to Hasinas aircraft following a request from Dhaka. Indian Government sources said New Delhi is closely following the fast-paced developments in Dhaka. Hasina is likely to be moved into a safe house in New Delhi soon, where she will reside for a few days, it was learnt. In Dhaka, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman said Hasina has resigned and an Gnterim government is taking over the responsibilities. Im taking all responsibility (of the country). Please cooperate, he said in a televised address. Meanwhile, the Border Security Force (BSF) on Monday issued a high alert across all its formations along the 4,096-km India-Bangladesh border in the wake of the developments in the neighbouring country, officials said. BSF Director General (Acting) Daljit Singh Chawdhary and other senior commanders have landed in Kolkata to review the security situation, they said. The BSF chief toured the North 24 Paragans district and Sunderbans area to review preparations. The force has directed all its field commanders to be on ground and deploy all personnel on border duty immediately, it was learnt. An spokesperson for its South Bengal Frontier based in the Kolkata headquarters said, In view of the changed situation in Bangladesh, the BSF has issued alert all along Indo-Bangladesh border and the number of troops deployed along the border has been increased. He added, Leave of all the personnel posted along the Bangladesh border were cancelled in the last few weeks after Bangladesh witnessed massive protests and now all units have been asked to acquire an all alert posture. The BSF guards the Indian front on the eastern flank of the country that runs along five states. West Bengal shares a total of 2,217 kilometres of its border with Bangladesh, along with Tripura (856 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Assam (262 km) and Mizoram (318 km). In a related development, the Delhi Police has further strengthened security at the Bangladesh High Commission in Chanakyapuri here in the wake of developments in the neighbouring country. More barricades have been placed outside the commission and the number of police personnel deployed there has been increased, a Delhi Police officer said. The continuing violence in Bangladesh and the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Government have raised concern among the families residing on this side of the border. Hundreds of families have lost sleep worrying about the fate of their relatives and other loved ones in the strife-torn neighbouring country. I dont know how they are though from different communities their neighbours are good and understanding but given the scale and magnitude of the violence I wonder how they are now more than 20 of them, said 80-year-old Chintamani Kar of Behala in South Kolkata expressing concern for his cousin brothers families at Magura off Jessore. A Bengali film actor, requesting anonymity, said she was worried about her grand uncle who was in Kolkata last year and was scheduled to visit again during the Durga Puja. Their family was attacked twice at Satkhira we asked them to migrate but they would not they had unflinching faith in the governance of Sheikh Hasina ... but now what will happen to them we have not been able to speak to them for the past fortnight or so, she said. Sheikh Qamran, a businessman from central Kolkata, said he too had not received any news of his relatives from Dhaka. Traditionally, they are supporters of the ruling party there it is obvious that helps in business but now after the fall of this Government I dont know what will happen to them particularly because the way the establishments are being attacked and torched, said the trader about his relatives who live near Banani area of Dhaka. He said he had even tried to get in touch with them via relatives in Dubai but in vain. However the condition of Arindam (name changed) is more pathetic. His uncle is a member of the ruling party and had been a panchayat member somewhere in Pabna district owning several acres of land and fisheries. He had connection till any level in the political and bureaucratic hierarchy but now his phone has fallen silent for the past several days he is not taking calls We have heard some people have been killed in Pabna We had asked them shift to India early last month but he would not listen to us I am told by other relatives at Chittagong but presently in Agartala that there will be a revenge campaign launched by the hardliners my 90-year-old grandmother who lives with us is very tensed. With the train and bus services temporarily stopped medical tourists from Bangladesh too find themselves stranded in Kolkata. I had come to get my mother treated for heart ailments I have been here for the past fortnight I keep coming for treatment but this time I am stuck here my wallet is getting lighter by the day whereas there is no way I can contact my relatives there in Dhaka to fill the account I am in great distress, said a Dhaka resident and a college teacher. Shahriyar Joel Bulbul another resident of Bangladesh who had come to Kolkata for treatment in a private hospital near Ruby More in South Kolkata said his father is a heart patient and is alone in Jessore. We are progressive people and have never backed the fundamentalists so some people are angry on us my father is a retired professor and alone now I have no information of him my relatives are there living nearby but I cannot connect them I am very worried, he said. Jharkhand Silk, Textile and Handloom Development Corporation Limited (Jharcraft), a leading producer of organic handicraft and textile products in the country, which comes under the Jharkhand government's undertaking, is a well-known name in the country and abroad for its products, whose silk is highly appreciated. To make its products reach more and more people, today Jharcraft has opened its exclusive showroom in the premises of Cottage Industry located on Janpath, Delhi. It was inaugurated by Minister of Industry, Labour Employment, Training and Skill Development, Jharkhand Government, Satyanand Bhokta. On this occasion, Bhokta said that Jharcraft provides employment to many artisans along with the production and sale of excellent products. The campus of Central Cottage Industries is a famous campus. Customers come here not only from the country but also from abroad. We hope that with this effort of ours, Jharcraft will get new dimensions. This is the first time in Delhi that any other brand has got a place in the campus of Central Cottage Industries, which is an achievement for Jharkhand. On this occasion, Secretary, Industries Department, Government of Jharkhand, Praveen Toppo said that Jharcraft has taken this new step with the aim of ensuring the growth of handloom and textile industry at national and international level. Jharcraft is moving towards quality and innovation in handloom and textile industry with the concept of 'Make in India'. Industries Department of Jharkhand Government is increasing its commitment to support the mission of Jharkhand (Creating opportunity Changing Lives). On this occasion, Managing Director of Jharcraft, Kirtishri said that Jharcraft is a leading producer of pure organic, shiny tassar silk. Jharcraft is providing employment to reelers, spinners, weavers, craftsmen and others of the state. Here in our products, a mixture of different Kantha, Jaipuri and others of Jharkhand's traditional art Sohrai, Jadupatia etc. is available. Our products include traditional crafts of Jharkhand, sarees, designer kurtis, salwar suits, shawls, home decorative products, bed sheets, bags and other products. Jharcraft was earlier present in Jharkhand, Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, we are expecting a lot of business from this new showroom in Central Cottage Industries premises. Jharcraft General Manager Pankaj Kumar, Assistant General Manager Rahul Mishra, Incharge Handloom Manoj Mahato and other dignitaries were present on this occasion. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Uttar Pradesh of a conspiracy in the Ayodhya gang-rape case with an objective to malign the opposition party. The BJP wants to start a conspiracy before the by-elections to 10 UP assembly seats. Their aim from the very first day has been to defame the socialists and especially their thinking about Muslims is undemocratic and unconstitutional, Akhilesh Yadav said. Hitting out at Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Akhilesh Yadav said, If a yogi does not believe in democracy and the Constitution, he cannot be a yogi. This is not the first time that Akhilesh Yadav has slammed the Uttar Pradesh government over the Ayodhya gang-rape issue. On Sunday, the SP chief had urged the court to order protection for the gang-rape survivor, considering the sensitivity of the case. He also said people were trying to politicise the case, and that such people 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. The 12-year-old girl was allegedly raped by two men in Ayodhya. In action which followed the incident, two Uttar Pradesh cops were suspended for the delay in carrying out the investigation in the case. Notably, bakery owner Moid Khan and his employee Raju Khan were arrested on July 30 from the Purakalandar area of Ayodhya in connection with the case. According to sources in the police, the teen was raped by the duo two months ago and the act was also recorded. The incident came to light when a recent medical examination revealed that the teenage girl was pregnant. Later, speaking in the UP assembly on Thursday, Yogi Adityanath claimed that Moid Khan belonged to the Samajwadi Party. Meanwhile, Mohammad Moid Khan, the Samajwadi Party leader who has been arrested for allegedly raping a minor girl in Ayodhya district, has a long history of criminal activities. However, the political influence he held in the area deterred local administration and law enforcement agencies from acting against him. His arrest in the gang-rape case is the first substantial action taken against him in 12 years. Moid Khans influence had been cultivated over two decades through his connections with powerful figures in the Samajwadi Party. He was particularly close to Awadhesh Prasad,the Samajwadi Party MP from Faizabad. One of the most notable incidents linked to Moid Khan occurred on October 24, 2012. During the Durga Puja procession in Bhadrasa, a communal riot broke out, resulting in an attack on the Hindu procession and the murder of a man, Bhola Gupta. Moid Khan, along with a few others, was accused of inciting the riot and murder. In 2012, leveraging his close ties with Samajwadi Party MP, Moid Khan became the municipal unit president of the Samajwadi Party, a position he continues to hold. Despite his limited formal education, having only attended a madrasa, Moid Khan amassed considerable wealth and influence. A shopping complex housing a private bank, identified by the Revenue Department for demolition due to illegal occupation of government land, also reportedly belongs to his relative residing abroad. Following Moid Khans recent arrest, several Dalit families have come forward and accused him of grabbing their lands. The district administration is currently investigating his properties, with suspicions that Moid Khan has invested his relatives overseas earnings in various assets. Properties under his and his associates names are now under scrutiny. Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday announced that free of cost treatment and free medicines will be provided to cancer patients in the state. "The state government will provide 42 medicines free of cost to cancer patients in government hospitals for their treatment and these medicines have been included in the state's essential medicine list," the Chief Minister stated while presiding over the first meeting of the State Advisory Board on Cancer and Palliative Care Program. He said that Himachal Pradesh has come second in the country in cancer cases which is a matter of concern for the state. "In view of this, this revolutionary decision has been taken to provide relief to cancer patients. This facility will be provided in various government hospitals," Sukhu said. These free of cost medicines also include Trastuzumab vaccine used for cancer treatment, which costs about Rs 40 thousand. A breast cancer patient needs 18 such vaccines in a year for treatment. To provide this vaccine, the state government will spend about seven lakh rupees on each patient. These medicines will be made available at the doorsteps of the people in various government hospitals. Sukhu also approved Rs. 300 crore to strengthen cancer treatment facilities in the state. The government would provide Rs. 75 crore for developing infrastructure of Center of Excellence, Cancer Care Hamirpur. Another Rs. 75 crore for bone marrow transplant facility in Chamiyana, Shimla, and Rs. 150 crore for providing world class cancer treatment equipment in Center of Excellence Hamirpur. The Chief Minister said the state government was setting up cancer day care centers all across the state in a phased manner. In the first phase, cancer day care centers have been set up in 13 hospitals. In the second phase, these centres will be set up in 27 high load civil hospitals and community health centres. In the third phase, cancer day care centres will be set up in 28 institutions. Palliative care units will also be set up in cancer day care centres. He said that world class technology will be adopted in the Cancer Care Centre of Excellence to be set up by the state government in Hamirpur. "A special department of nuclear medicine will be set up here in which a large capacity nuclear lab and cyclotron will also be made available," he added. Sukhu said that the facility of bone marrow transplantation will also be started in Atal Institute Of Medical Super-Specialities, Chamiyana, Shimla. He said that a population based cancer registry will be started in the state. Under this, the cancer cases and number of will be studied. He said that a pilot project will be started in one district for screening of cancer cases. Students in Bangladesh are protesting the governments reservation policy against reserving 56% of government jobs for specific groups, including descendants of freedom fighters, women, and ethnic minorities. Students believe that such a high percentage of reserved seats undermines meritocracy and denies deserving candidates their rightful opportunities. Over two hundred students have lost their lives. The issue is gaining international attention, with intellectuals and students from other countries joining hands with Bangladeshi students in solidarity. Students across university campuses in India are holding marches in support of the protesting students. Bangladesh is not far, and what happens there influences us too. The solidarity expressed by Indian students connects them with their own cause Bangladeshi students are protesting. The conditions are not very different in India, where reservation policies in the name of affirmative action have become a political tool to win elections and retain power. While reservations aim to uplift marginalized communities, excessive quotas frustrate those who feel excluded from opportunities. This has led to resentment among different population groups, which may erupt in India. Thus, it is time to learn lessons from Bangladesh and revisit the caste-based reservation policy that divides people. India has seen a series of anti-reservation student protests in the past, notably in 1990 and 2006, against the Union Governments decision to implement reservations for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in central and private institutes of higher education. The government proposed to reserve 27% of seats in premier educational institutions like All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and other central institutions for the OBCs to help them gain higher representation. This move led to massive protests, particularly from students and doctors belonging to the General Category, who claimed that the proposal was discriminatory, discarded meritocracy, and was driven by vote-bank politics. Although these protests were suppressed, the resentments were not. They have been silently rising among common people, particularly students who feel discriminated against. Last year, thousands protested caste-based reservations and the controversial SC/ST Act in Madhya Pradesh. In Maharashtra, young doctors who had qualified for NEET PG 2019 protested when the state government introduced a new policy increasing reservations to 78% from 52% after including the SEBC and EWS quotas. The open-category candidates moved to the High Court, and the court scrapped the new reservation policy. There are many such instances across the country. These resentments are often projected as political, overlooking the historical nature and wider repercussions in the polity, society, and economy. People do believe in affirmative action and support reservation for those who are marginalized economically and socially. They contend that reservation should be based on economic conditions, not on birth or caste. The government and political parties should understand that vote-based politics based on caste, creed, and community will not develop India, but rather divide society. The reservation policy was initially formulated for only 10 years. If it has failed in its purpose in the last 70 years, the policy must be revisited. Many believe that caste-based reservations should be replaced with economic criteria. Political parties lack the courage to implement any amendments to the constitutional laws regarding reservation because they fear losing elections. The government and political parties must learn a lesson from Bangladesh and address the silent resentments among the younger generation of upper-caste Hindus, particularly those who feel that their hard work is wasted by reservation. The student protests in Bangladesh against the reservation system offer several valuable lessons for India. The Indian government and policymakers must consider reviewing existing reservation policies, balancing merit, ensuring transparent and inclusive policymaking, addressing the root causes of inequality, and promoting unity and social cohesion. The Government of Indias position not to comment on what it calls an internal matter may be politically correct. Nevertheless, one should not close their eyes and ignore what is happening in their neighborhood. The foundations are not very different, and the fire is not far; it may reach and engulf us. As India continues to grapple with its own complex reservation policies, understanding the dynamics and outcomes of Bangladeshs student protests can offer valuable insights. The author is a Professor at Xavier Institute of Social Service, Ranchi. The views expressed are personal. Email: pandeyanant@hotmail.com In a concerted effort to swiftly achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of having solar panels in every household of Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi Adityanath government, under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, plans to train over 30,000 youths from the state as Surya Mitras. Currently, 3,000 youths have already completed their training as Surya Mitras. To develop skilled manpower for the solar energy sector, the National Solar Energy Mission has outlined a plan to groom Surya Mitras, creating a workforce of skilled artisans for solar projects. Following the launch of the PM Surya Ghar Yojana in February 2023, which aims to install one crore solar rooftops nationwide, the Yogi government of Uttar Pradesh has committed to contributing 25 lakh solar rooftops to this goal. According to available data, registration has been completed for installing solar rooftops on over 18 lakh houses in the state, with applications submitted for approximately two lakh additional houses. The installation of solar rooftops has already been completed for more than 10,000 homes. To promote solar energy usage, the government has introduced a net billing/net metering system. Additionally, Uttar Pradesh New & Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) has partnered with the Tata Group to install solar rooftops on 10 lakh houses across the state, with the initiative recently commencing in Varanasi. With the large-scale installation of solar rooftops, there will be a significant need for skilled workers in the sector. To address this, UPNEDA has set a target of training 30,000 Surya Mitras through district training centres and industrial training institutes (ITIs). The Surya Mitra training programme spans three months and includes 600 hours of comprehensive training. This training covers classroom instruction, practical laboratory work, exposure to SPV plants, on-the-job training, as well as soft skills and entrepreneurship development. To qualify for the programme, candidates must have passed the 10th standard and hold an ITI certificate in electrician, wireman, electronic mechanic, fitter or sheet metal trades. Upon completing the Surya Mitra training, trainees receive assistance in securing employment. Amidst a wave of public and political scrutiny, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal issued an unconditional apology to the Sikh communitys supreme temporal seat the Akal Takht Sahib. The apology comes in response to a series of serious allegations made by the rebel leaders within the Akali Dal, concerning controversial decisions and incidents during the partys government in Punjab from 2007 to 2017. The Akal Takht Sahib on Monday made public Sukhbirs letter, addressed to Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, where the SAD chief sought forgiveness for all the transgressions alleged by the rebel faction, including favouring Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, influencing the Akal Takht, and appointing Sumedh Saini as the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP). Without directly mentioning specific allegations, Sukhbirs letter expressed his submission to the Guru and the Sikh community, acknowledging the mistakes made during the SAD-led Governments tenure. I am a humble servant of the Gurus houseI have always been dedicated to Sri Guru Granth Sahib and Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Without any questions or answers, I sincerely pray to Waheguru, he said in the letter, On July 1, the rebel SAD leaders, including former Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Bibi Jagir Kaur, former MP Prem Singh Chandumajra, and senior leaders Gurpratap Wadala and Surjit Singh Rakhra, had appeared before the Akal Takht Jathedar to apologize for their roles in the perceived mismanagement and controversies during the SAD Government. Acting on the rebels letter, the Akal Takht Jathedar summoned Sukhbir, leading to his visit to the Sri Akal Takht Sahib on July 25 to submit his response. In his letter, Sukhbir Badal took full responsibility for the actions and decisions of the party and government during his leadership, whether done knowingly or unknowingly. He emphasized his commitment to accepting any directives from the Akal Takht Sahib and adhering to Gurmat traditions with humility. Whatever has been written against us, I present myself before the great throne of the Guru, seeking unconditional forgiveness from Guru Sahib and the Guru Panth. As the head of the family, I take all the mistakes upon myself. Whether these mistakes are from the party or the government, I am seeking forgiveness for all these mistakes and shortcomings, whether done knowingly or unknowingly. Every command issued by Sri Akal Takht Sahib in accordance with Gurmat traditions will be accepted by me and my companions with humility, read Sukhbirs letter. The rebel groups letter to the Akal Takht highlighted several key issues pointing out that during the SAD Government, a significant section of the Sikh panth and Punjabs populace grew disillusioned with the partys leadership. This dissatisfaction was attributed to multiple incidents, including the contentious favouring of Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim. Notably, in 2007, Ram Rahim impersonated Sikhs tenth master Sri Guru Gobind Singh, which led to a police case that was later withdrawn by the SAD Government. Despite the Akal Takht Sahib excommunicating Ram Rahim, Sukhbir allegedly used his influence to secure a pardon for the Dera chief allegedly to gain political interest. Furthermore, the rebels accused the SAD Government of making egregious mistakes, such as appointing Sumedh Saini an officer notorious for fake police encounters that resulted in the martyrdom of Sikh youths as the Punjab Police chief. Additionally, the party gave a political ticket to the wife of another controversial officer and appointed her as a chief parliamentary secretary. The rebels lamented that the SAD Government failed to conduct impartial investigations into fake police encounters or provide relief to victims despite promises made to the public. In his apology, Sukhbir underscored his dedication to the Guru and the Sikh Panth. He expressed deep remorse for the actions and decisions that led to public and religious dissatisfaction. The letter also included a reference to his father, former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, and his own contributions to the party's legacy. As the Akal Takht Sahib deliberates on Sukhbir Badal's apology, the Sikh community and political observers keenly await the outcome. The apology marked a significant moment in Punjab's political landscape, reflecting an attempt by the SAD leadership to reconcile with the community and address past grievances. The public disclosure of the apology letter by the Akal Takht Sahib secretary Sukhdev Singh highlighted the ongoing demand from the Sikh community for transparency and accountability. The secretary announced that the final decision on the matter would be taken in a meeting of the five Singh Sahibans the highest authority at the Akal Takht Sahib. In its efforts to provide solar energy to both urban and rural areas, the Uttar Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is developing solar parks to transform the Bundelkhand region into a solar energy hub. The largest of these solar parks is being established across 9,000 acres in Jhansi, Lalitpur and Chitrakoot, where a 2,000 MW solar plant will be installed. This will produce 4700 million units of electricity per year. The process of leasing the targeted land from 32 villages is currently underway. So far, over 8,000 acres (more than 90 per cent of the land) has been secured. Simultaneously, the Yogi Adityanath government has set a goal to complete all three projects by December 2025. However, experts suggest that the projects may commence ahead of schedule. This endeavour will create over 18,000 employment opportunities. Swift progress is being made towards developing ground-mounted ultra-mega solar power parks in Jhansi, Lalitpur and Chitrakoot in the Bundelkhand region. Lalitpur District Magistrate Akshay Tripathi said, So far, 1,317.80 acres of government land and 1,022.73 acres of private land has been identified to develop a solar park spanning 2,700 acres. Approximately 86 per cent of this land has already been acquired on lease. He noted that land has been identified in about nine villages within the Talbehat tehsil area, including Pawa, Sarkhadi, Burma Bihar, Shahpur, Talbehat Andar (Khandi), Piprai, Gevragundera, Jharar and Kadesar Kalan. The Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) is currently putting up fencing and constructing an internal grid sub-station for solar energy evacuation in these locations. Tripathi said that this 600 MW capacity plant would generate 1,400 million units of electricity annually and the project would also provide employment opportunities to 210 skilled and 4,850 unskilled workers. Additionally, during the 25-year operation and maintenance period, around 200 skilled and 360 unskilled workers will be employed. A 600 MW solar plant is being established across 2,700 acres in Jhansi. Jhansi District Magistrate Avinash Kumar stated, In accordance with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths vision, the process of acquiring land on lease for the development of a solar park is progressing at a rapid pace. Land from eight villages in Garautha tehsil, namely Khadoura, Jalalpura, Pura, Jaswantpura, Sujanpura, Nadoura, Bararu and Motikatra, has been identified for this purpose. He added, So far, 263.77 acres of government land and 2,328.67 acres of private land has been acquired on lease, completing 96 per cent of the land acquisition process. The UPPCL is currently working on fencing and constructing an internal grid sub-station for solar energy evacuation. This 600 MW solar power plant will generate 1,400 million units of electricity annually, creating employment for 210 skilled and 4,850 unskilled workers. Additionally, during the 25-year operation and maintenance phase of the project, around 200 skilled and 360 unskilled workers will be employed. Besides, the process of leasing land from 15 villages in Mau tehsil for the establishment of an 800 MW solar plant on 3,400 acres in Chitrakoot is currently underway. The villages involved include Chhatainimafi, Khargada, Gahur, Kataiyadandi, Mankachhatani, Chachokhar, Chharehra, Dondiamafi, Kotwamafi, Usrimafi, Bargah, Atari Majra, Goiyakalan, Goiyakhurd and Semra. So far, 1,249.50 acres of government land and 1,821.51 acres of private land has been acquired on lease, amounting to 90 per cent of the required 3,400 acres. The UPPCL is currently working on fencing and construction of an internal grid substation for solar energy extraction. This solar plant will generate 1,900 million units of electricity annually. During the establishment phase, 265 skilled and 6,050 unskilled workers will be employed. Additionally, during the 25-year operation and maintenance period of the project, approximately 300 skilled and 450 unskilled workers will receive employment opportunities. Sheikh Hasina, who resigned as Bangladesh Prime Minister following massive anti-government protests, is known to be on her way to London, people familiar with the matter said on Monday. Hasina resigned on Monday and left the country, reports from Dhaka said. She is leaving for London, the people cited above said. 2 Hezbollah members killed in Israeli airstrike on SE Lebanon Beirut, Aug 5 (UNI) 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. The Philippines and Germany are intensifying their defense cooperation, with both countries aiming to sign a comprehensive defense agreement by the end of the year. The move comes amidst growing regional tensions, particularly in the disputed South China Sea, and reflects a shared commitment to upholding international law and security in the Indo-Pacific region. Get alerts: During a three-day visit to the Philippines, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius met with President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations and address shared security concerns. Joint Statement: A Roadmap for Enhanced Cooperation Following a Sunday meeting between the defense ministers, a joint statement outlining the key aspects of the burgeoning partnership was released. Expanding Armaments Cooperation and Joint Ventures The statement read, The Philippines and Germany have committed to concluding a broader defense cooperation arrangement. This comprehensive agreement aims to establish long-term ties between the armed forces and encompass expanded training programs, bilateral exchanges, and joint projects. Both countries are also exploring opportunities to expand bilateral armaments cooperation. The joint statement highlighted the intent to engage in joint projects that would further solidify their defense partnership. This could involve joint research and development initiatives, co-production of defense equipment, or collaborative training exercises. A Shared Vision for Regional Security The Philippines and Germany are firmly committed to upholding international law and maintaining regional stability. Both countries view the South China Sea as a critical area of concern, with the Philippines facing increasing challenges from Chinas assertive maritime claims in the region. President Marcos has consistently emphasized the importance of international law and rules-based order in navigating the South China Sea disputes. He has also sought to strengthen partnerships with other nations to counter Chinas aggressive actions. The partnerships are important, as well as the stability, in our case, the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea, as we refer to it, Marcos told Pistorius during their meeting. Pistorius echoed the Philippines concerns and reaffirmed Germanys commitment to the international tribunal ruling on the South China Sea, which declared Chinas claims without legal basis. I could not agree more with your assessment with regard to standing together and standing together for peace and security, and for our interest, and that is the reason why we are engaging, Pistorius emphasized. Germanys Indo-Pacific Deployment and Strategic Partnerships Germanys deepening engagement in the Indo-Pacific region is also a significant factor driving the enhanced defense cooperation. Pistorius announced that Germany will be deploying a naval task force to the Indo-Pacific region next year, further demonstrating its commitment to the regions security. This deployment will serve as a visible sign of Germanys presence and commitment to upholding regional security and stability. Germanys involvement in the Indo-Pacific also reinforces its shared vision with the Philippines of a rules-based international order. A Key Milestone in Strengthening Bilateral Ties The defense cooperation arrangement marks a significant milestone in the Philippines and Germanys diplomatic relations. The two nations are celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations this year, and the enhanced defense ties underscore their commitment to strengthening this partnership. The deal is expected to further bolster the Philippines defense capabilities and contribute to the overall security architecture in the Indo-Pacific region. It also signals a growing trend of international cooperation and collaboration in addressing regional challenges and maintaining global stability. Derry is a city shrouded by history and this has created a number of iconic landmarks through the city. A poll on the Derry/Londonderry Reddit believes that the most iconic landmark is the Free Derry Corner. However, is that poll accurate or do you believe that there is a more iconic landmark in the city? Free Derry Corner Located in the Bogside just outside the walls of Derry, it arguably first became a landmark in January 1969 when the slogan You are now entering Free Derry was painted at the corner of Lecky Road and Fahan Street after an unauthorised midnight incursion by RUC men into the Bogside. Throughout 1969 this would be an area of growing tension that would culminate in the Battle of the Bogside, and the corner is recognisable throughout archival footage of Bloody Sunday in 1972; much of the violence and death on this day near Free Derry Corner. Adrian Kerr argued: Then just an individuals act of defiance, the slogan, and the wall, have now become an internationally recognised symbol of resistance. Free Derry Corner has become a lasting memory from the Troubles, with many tourists visiting the landmark due to the significance it holds in the history of the city. The Derry Walls Originally built between 1613 and 1619 by the Irish Society with the intention of protecting the Scottish and English planters that had moved to Ulster as part of the Plantation of Ulster. The most famous historical event the walls are known for was the Siege of Derry. The Siege was the first major conflict that occurred during the Williamite War in Ireland, and it began when 13 apprentice boys closed the gates to the approaching forces loyal to James II. For most of the Troubles the walls were off limits to the general public. And the four original gates for the Derry Walls; Ferryquay, Shipquay, Bishops and Butchers Gate are used as key starting points to help people find their way around Derry. Today the walls are a significant tourist attraction, with many getting tours of the landmark, while getting to use the walls to look at much of the city inside and outside the walls. The Peace Bridge Connecting Ebrington Square to the rest of the city, opened in June 2011, the newest of the three bridges in Derry. The bridge was built as a new beginning to move on from the legacy of the Troubles to improve relations between the largely unionist Waterside with the largely nationalist Cityside, by improving access between these areas, as part of wider regeneration plans. The bridge became an iconic image of Derry/Londonderrys Radio 1 Big Weekend in 2013, with the event taking place in Ebrington Square. While lacking the historical legacy of other landmarks in the city, it has become a modern phenomenon with tourists and it has helped increase foot traffic to the city from the Waterside and vice versa. Guildhall Located just outside the Derry Walls the city has become iconic and the host of a number of famous and historical events. Former President Bill Clinton was a guest of the city and spoke outside the Guildhall in the square between it and the walls, while the same space contained a significant crowd for David Camerons apology to the city in 2010 for the events and subsequent Widgery report. Hosting the Derry City and Strabane District council meetings and having a number of historical events to commemorate the city the Guildhall has become a major landmark in Derry. N Korean border military units receive 250 tactical ballistic missile launchers Pyongyang, Aug 5 (UNI) A ceremony for handing over 250 launchers of new tactical ballistic missiles to border military units was held in North Korea with the participation of the country's leader Kim Jong Un, the state-run KCNA news agency reported on Monday. "Demonstrating the indefinite development of the national defence capabilities and the great leaps forward in modernizing the powerful army ... a ceremony for transferring 250 new-type tactical ballistic missile launchers produced at major munitions industrial establishments to the frontier military units of the DPRK took place in the capital city of Pyongyang with splendor," the news agency said in a statement. A 450,000 initiative to explore solutions to tackle the blue-green algae crisis at Lough Neagh has been launched. Environment minister Andrew Muir said he hoped solutions could also be applied in other areas affected by the noxious blooms. In phase one of the Lough Neagh: Blue-Green Algae Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) five applicants will be selected to develop concepts to deal with the algae. In phase two two to three concepts will be selected and developed as potential pilot solutions. Noxious blooms of blue-green algae covered large parts of the lough last summer and also affected other waterways and beaches in the region. The algae has returned this year. Lough Neagh, the biggest freshwater lake by surface area in the UK and Ireland, supplies 40% of Northern Irelands drinking water and sustains a major eel-fishing industry. The Stormont Executive approved its Lough Neagh Action Plan last month. Mr Muir said: We all have a responsibility to work collectively to deliver sustainable solutions to address the issues facing Lough Neagh and to return it to its rightful state as an ecological jewel at the heart of Northern Ireland. I understand that this SBRI initiative will not fully address the blue-green algae problems, however it will contribute, along with the other actions contained in the Lough Neagh report, to help deliver my vision to have a healthy, resilient environment with high water quality status and environment standards thereby contributing to the health and wellbeing of our citizens. He added: Whilst much attention has been devoted to the issues with blue-green algae in Lough Neagh I am equally focused on water quality issues across Northern Ireland and this work will hopefully provide solutions that can be applied to any area that has been affected by the emergence of blue-green algae. The scheme is being partly funded by Stormonts Department for the Economy. Economy Minister Conor Murphy said: There is scope for physical, chemical or biological, or a combination of solutions, but whatever solution is developed it must not contribute to further environmental degradation. It must also comply with legislation and environmental designations. The application window for phase one is open for six weeks. Applications must be received by 3pm on Friday September 13. It is anticipated that phase one will run to March 2025 with a potential call for a phase two applications beginning summer 2025. Nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural fertiliser running off fields is believed to be a major contributory factor in the blue-green algae blooms. The spread of the invasive zebra mussel species is also understood to have played a role in the blooms, as they have made the water clearer, allowing more sunlight to penetrate, stimulating more algal photosynthesis. Climate change is another factor cited, with the highest water temperature at Lough Neagh recorded last June. Less than two-thirds of people in Northern Ireland would be very likely to go to the police if they became victims of domestic abuse, a survey has suggested. Northern Irelands commissioner designate for victims of crime Geraldine Hanna said the results showed the challenges that exist in supporting victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence. Results from the Northern Ireland life and times (NILT) survey 2023 show 63% of people surveyed would be very likely to report becoming the victim of domestic abuse to police. The statistics were lowest for those aged 18 to 24, with only 45% saying they would be very likely to report. Men were more likely to report being victims of domestic abuse, with 65% saying they were very likely to go to the police compared to 62% of women surveyed. The study also found 70% of people were very likely to report being the victim of sexual abuse/violence, with only 54% of 15 to 24-year-olds saying they would come forward. Again, men were more likely to report, with 73% saying they were very likely compared to only 68% of women surveyed. Respondents were asked a number of questions about the criminal justice system, including how likely it was that they would go to the police if they had been the victim of certain crimes. The survey showed 65% who were the victim of fraud or a scam would be very likely to report it to police while 88% who were the victim of a burglary or break-in were very likely to report it. Ms Hanna said: Everyone in Northern Ireland should have the confidence to come forward if they become the victim of a crime. These results show the specific challenges we face in supporting victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence to report these crimes and reaffirms what I have heard from engaging directly with those victims. Many of those who have spoken to me have told me the issues they faced means they would be reluctant to come forward if they became victims again in the future. These issues include delay, the issues around disclosure of private information and a system that doesnt prioritise or protect victims rights. They see the problems in our criminal justice system and it damages their confidence that anything will be done if they do come forward. She added: I find it particularly worrying that the number of people saying they would be very likely to report these crimes to the police is lowest amongst the 18 to 24-year-old age group. Worryingly these statistics show a lack of confidence in our criminal justice system, especially for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence. With only 9% of people surveyed saying they believe that victims are at the centre of our criminal justice system, this survey shows just how low that confidence is. Fieldwork for the NILT 2023 survey was carried out between September 7 2023 and January 14 2024, and 1,200 adults aged 18 years or over were interviewed. PSNI Detective Chief Superintendent Lindsay Fisher said: For victims to pick up the phone, to tell us what theyre suffering and to ask for help, takes a great deal of courage. Almost two thirds of those surveyed would be very likely to report to becoming a victim of domestic abuse to police. This shows tremendous bravery and a growing confidence in seeking justice. Statistics suggest that it takes, on average, 35 incidents before a victim will come forward and report to police. So we know there are so many people out there who are suffering in silence. She added: We will continue to raise awareness of all forms of domestic abuse and encourage reporting. Abusers in these cases are so incredibly controlling, making their victims believe that what is happening to them is somehow their fault. We not only encourage victims of abuse to come forward, but also ask neighbours, family and friends of victims to report any concerns they may have. A 24-hour domestic and sexual violence helpline is also available to anyone who has concerns about domestic or sexual violence, now or in the past. It is open to all affected by domestic and sexual violence on 0808 802 1414. Four men have been charged by police investigating violence and disorder which followed an anti-immigration protest in Belfast on Saturday. The charges come as Stormonts Justice Minister, Naomi Long, hit out at the radicalisation of people online through disinformation and outright lies. Several businesses were attacked following violence which erupted in the city after anti-immigration protests on Saturday. Business owners have said the Islamic community was deliberately targeted. 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 force said it then prevented an attempt by protesters to march to Belfast Islamic Centre, but that sporadic violence broke out in other parts of the city. Three police officers were injured in the disorder and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has said those involved will be dealt with using the full force of the law. Four men will appear in Belfast Magistrates Court on Monday on charges linked to the violence. A 53-year-old has been charged with resisting police, three counts of assault on police and disorderly behaviour. Meanwhile, a 46-year-old man has been charged with disorderly behaviour and resisting police. A 38-year-old has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence, possession of fireworks without a licence, and riotous behaviour. He also faces the charge of disorderly behaviour. A 34-year-old has been charged with taking part in an unnotified public procession. Ms Long said if there were any lessons to be learnt from the policing operation at the weekend, she had no doubt the PSNI would learn them. She told the BBC Good Morning Ulster programme: We have people in our community this morning who have invested their lives in building businesses, in settling into our community and in providing services to our community, who have now seen their entire livelihoods wiped out in one night of sickening violence and that has to stop. We are already seeing now on social media people making preparations for another round of this this week. This cannot continue, we cannot have this kind of Islamaphobia, xenophobia and hatred on our streets. People have a right to an opinion, when it comes to immigration, but it needs to be an informed opinion, what we are seeing instead is radicalisation of people online through disinformation and outright lies. It is incredibly dangerous. If there are lessons to be learnt around the policing operation I have no doubt whatsoever they will be learnt. Policing Board chairman Mukesh Sharma described the violence in Belfast as deeply depressing and disturbing. He added: As a board, we join in the condemnation of all those who engaged in this disorder, and we welcome police commitments to bring all those responsible to justice. There is no place for hate in our community. We all have a real job of work to do to provide reassurance to the community that the violent actions of a few are not representative of our society. I welcome the increased police engagement at this time with affected and concerned communities, and also trust that all those officers injured in the course of the disorder make a speedy recovery. Meanwhile, the Alliance Party has submitted a recall petition calling for the Northern Ireland Assembly to be recalled to discuss the violent scenes. Legal action has been commenced against Northern Irelands Department of Education over a data breach. On Friday, Education Minister Paul Givan issued an apology to all those affected after the details of more than 400 people were shared. The department said a spreadsheet containing the names, email addresses and titles of 407 individuals who had expressed an interest in attending the End-to End Review of SEN events across Northern Ireland was sent in error. The spreadsheet also included comments made by a number of individuals. The department said the 174 individuals who received the personal data have been asked to delete the information and confirm they have done so. Mr Givan said he has instructed his permanent secretary to launch a full and thorough investigation into the data breach, adding the department will be working to put in place measures to help make sure this does not happen again. The Information Commissioner was also notified. On Monday, solicitor Owen Beattie said his office has been instructed by some of those impacted by the breach and that legal action has been commenced against the Department of Education. The claim is for breach of privacy, misuse of private information, breach of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights and also for personal injury due to the distress caused to its clients. We can confirm that legal action has been launched against the Department of Education for the data breach that occurred on 1 August 2024, Owen Beattie and Co Solicitors said in a statement. Our clients are rightly concerned, angry and distraught by this grievous breach of privacy. The apology from the Minister is welcomed, but there is still much uncertainty around the extent and scale of this breach. This litigation should bring a spotlight to expose how this data breach occurred in the first place, and to also secure accountability for those affected. Responding, a Department of Education spokesperson said: The department unreservedly apologises to all those affected by the data breach and reported the breach to the Information Commissioners Office, the independent regulatory body for data protection law, as well as launching a full and thorough internal investigation. As the investigation progresses, all those impacted will be kept updated. The Northern Ireland Assembly will be recalled later this week to discuss violent scenes after an anti-immigration protest in Belfast. Several businesses were attacked during the violence on Saturday and business owners said the Islamic community was deliberately targeted. Four men appeared in court on Monday to face charges linked to the violence. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said on Monday evening they are aware of social media posts calling for protests across Northern Ireland in the week ahead. The PSNI said officers will monitor the situation and will be engaging with groups likely to be affected by any protests. Late on Monday police said they were dealing with ongoing disorder in the Donegall Road area, and urged people to avoid the Donegall Road and Sandy Row areas. First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said there is no justification for racism or for the violence and intimidation that occurred on our streets on Saturday. A special meeting of Belfast City Council also took place on Monday evening. Ms Little-Pengelly said she spoke to Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn on Monday. Police are dealing with ongoing disorder in the Donegall Road area of south Belfast tonight. The public should avoid the Donegall Road and Sandy Row areas. An update will be provided in due course. pic.twitter.com/EfsL8ajg0D Police South Belfast (@PSNIBelfastS) August 5, 2024 We agreed on the importance of strong, collective opposition to all violence and disorder, she posted on the X, formerly Twitter. I also highlighted importance to recognise that there are many with genuinely held concerns not involved in violence or racism. Earlier, Stormont Speaker Edwin Poots said the Assembly will be recalled at noon on Thursday after a recall petition submitted by the Alliance Party and backed by the SDLP and Sinn Fein. MLAs will discuss a motion condemning criminal damage and targeting of businesses in recent days. The motion also calls on Ms ONeill and Ms Little-Pengelly to finalise the draft Refugee Integration Strategy and associated Thematic Delivery Plan and present it to the Executive, and to bring forward the renewed Race Relations Order, and set out the process of replacing the Racial Equality Strategy 2015/25 by the end of 2024. In a joint statement, the two leaders said they had spoken earlier with PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher. While people are entitled to take part in peaceful protest there is no justification for racism or for the violence and intimidation that occurred on our streets on Saturday, they said. Today we have spoken to the Chief Constable and offered him our full support and we pledged to work to deliver a shared, peaceful and inclusive society. There must be a zero-tolerance approach to racism and wanton destruction. Nobody should have to live in fear or threat of violence. Again, we would appeal to anyone with information to contact the PSNI. Stormonts Justice Minister, Naomi Long, said the scenes had been hugely damaging, describing some people as scared to leave their homes because of the colour of their skin. 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 force said it then prevented an attempt by protesters to march to Belfast Islamic Centre, but that sporadic violence broke out in other parts of the city. Three police officers were injured in the disorder and the PSNI said those involved will be dealt with using the full force of the law. Speaking to the media on Monday, Ms Long said she was absolutely distraught about what happened. These scenes have been broadcast around the globe of the rioting right across the UK and in our main city, she said. Its hugely damaging to our reputation but its also incredibly damaging to our community. We have people in Belfast today who are afraid to go outside of their homes because of the colour of their skin, or because of their religion, or because of their perceived background, because theyre afraid that they will be attacked on the streets. This kind of xenophobia and racism and bigotry isnt acceptable. It is intolerable, and from my perspective when it tips over into violence it is a very serious issue, both for the Department of Justice and for the police service. Ms Long warned anyone considering travelling to Northern Ireland to riot: If you do, you will be held accountable in front of the courts. You will be pursued. There isnt a free pass to come to Northern Ireland and engage in this kind of behaviour. We need as a community in Northern Ireland to stand against this. We need the political leadership. We need leadership from the PSNI. We need leadership from within our community to say that they do not want this visited on the streets of Belfast. We have experienced violence over the years. We know the damage it can do. We above all should understand the vulnerability of people who are being subjected to this kind of intimidation and its up to all of us to play our part in saying this is not welcome in Northern Ireland. If you engage in it, whether you are from Northern Ireland or from outside Northern Ireland, you will be held accountable. Earlier, Ms Long told the BBCs Good Morning Ulster programme: We are already seeing now on social media people making preparations for another round of this this week. This cannot continue, we cannot have this kind of Islamophobia, xenophobia and hatred on our streets. People have a right to an opinion when it comes to immigration, but it needs to be an informed opinion. What we are seeing instead is radicalisation of people online through disinformation and outright lies. It is incredibly dangerous. If there are lessons to be learned around the policing operation I have no doubt whatsoever they will be learned. Policing Board chairman Mukesh Sharma described the violence in Belfast as deeply depressing and disturbing. As a board, we join in the condemnation of all those who engaged in this disorder, and we welcome police commitments to bring all those responsible to justice, he said. There is no place for hate in our community. We all have a real job of work to do to provide reassurance to the community that the violent actions of a few are not representative of our society. I welcome the increased police engagement at this time with affected and concerned communities, and also trust that all those officers injured in the course of the disorder make a speedy recovery. Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts said: These attacks are despicable and should be condemned. Racism has no place in our community and those behind these attacks should be brought to justice. Our thoughts are with the owners and staff of these businesses going through such a traumatic experience. We hope that the police will learn lessons from last weekend and ensure that these disgraceful, racially motivated attacks on business owners are prevented in future. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. Kioxia announces completion of new flash memory fab at Kitakami site Kioxia has announced that the construction of Fab2 (K2) at its factory site in Kitakami was completed in July. K2 is the second flash memory manufacturing facility at Kioxia's Kitakami site in Iwate Prefecture, Japan. As demand recovers, the company plans to progressively increase capital investments while constantly monitoring flash memory market developments. Kioxia intends to begin operations at K2 in the fall of calendar year 2025. In addition, commencing in November 2024, some administrative and engineering departments will relocate to a new administration building adjacent to K2 to monitor its operations, Kioxia indicated. Kioxia's new K2 fab project will have a portion of its investment subsidized by the Japanese government under a plan agreed in February 2024. Kioxia's aim of "uplifting the world with memory'" includes exploiting flash memory market prospects for rising demand for AI applications and data centers. Kioxia will continue to proactively undertake steps to enhance its flash memory R&D capabilities, as well as make agile investments in response to market trends, according to the Japan-based memory vendor. Kioxia held a 12.4% share of the global NAND flash market in the second quarter of 2024, according to DRAMeXchange. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Cllr Paula Butterly has said that the All Island Rail Review which was published last week, which if implemented would see new 200km/h (125mph) intercity trains between Dublin and Belfast, has no regard for rural commuters in County Louth. The Department of Transport in Ireland and the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) in Northern Ireland last week published the Final Report of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which includes recommendations for train services at least hourly between cities and at least every two hours on regional/rural routes. While welcoming publication of the review, Cllr Butterly a Fine Gael councillor in the Ardee Local Electoral Area, said that the announcement of the All Island Rail Review brought good news for many areas in the country but had no regard for rural commuters in County Louth. Cllr Butterly continued: Despite viable options in the Mid-Louth area such as Dunleer, there seems to be no forward thinking on how these areas will look in the future and my previous calls for a transport hub in the area which could link bus, rail and cars have not been taken into account. Such a hub could service North Drogheda and the entire Mid-Louth area. Even if rural commuters wanted to use rail services how are them supposed to get there? In their cars of course, but they would have to cross a busy town in Drogheda only to find nowhere to park their cars or head for Dundalk where not only would they face the same issues but also incur the pleasure of a more expensive fare. There was also no regard for the residents in the Pennisula or the possibility of reinstating the Dundalk-Greenore line. Not only could this alleviate traffic on a busy and often dangerous road, it could attract new visitors but also serve as a new way to transport cargo. Hoping for a rethink on rail services in Louth into the future, Cllr Butterly added that, as the review is not necessarily set in stone, hopefully the key stakeholders will take into consideration the need and viability of a better connected rail service for the county. Protesters and counter-demonstrators took to the streets of Dundalk for the third consecutive Sunday at the weekend over plans to house 260 Ukrainian refugees in the former St Joseph's Female Orphanage and Industrial School on Seatown Place. A large crowd of counter-demonstrators gathered at 4.30pm on the path in front of the building holding placards with messages such as Mammies Against Racism Louth, Racism Not Wanted in Our Town and Doesn't Matter We're All the Same while many waved Irish, Louth and Palestinian flags. Anti-immigrant protesters lined the opposite side of the street with a banner reading Dundalk Says No with many waving the Irish flag and some with it draped around them. Above: Anti-immigrant protesters on Sunday After a short time at the building where Ukrainian refugees are to be housed the anti-immigrant protesters, flanked by uniformed garda and members of the the Public Order Unit, marched to Market Square, as counter-protesters chanted They came to town and ran away. The counter-demonstrators, surrounded by gardai, remained at the former St Joseph's Female Orphanage and Industrial School, as anti-immigrant protesters gathered at the Courthouse. Several speakers from the anti-immigrant side, including Irish Freedom Party members Hermann Kelly and Tracy O'Hanlon addressed the crowd. Meanwhile, counter- protesters, escorted by gardai, marched to Clanbrassil Street. There was a strong garda presence again on Sunday, with a large amount of uniformed gardai and members of the Public Order Unit present. Clanbrassil Street was cordoned off and a line of gardai stood in front of the counter-demonstrators and around the anti-immigrant protesters with a large space in between where two garda vans were parked. As speakers continued to address the crowd in front of the Courthouse, counter-protesters banged drums and chanted loudly immigrants are welcome here. Just before 6.30pm the crowd gathered at the square dispersed and shortly afterwards the anti-demonstrators left, marching down Market Street surrounded by gardai. Despite tensions being high the protests ended peacefully. It is understood that a fourth protest is being organised again for this coming Sunday. by Jeroen van Baar Now that I live in Washington DC, I take every opportunity I get to sample the seafood sold at a floating market down by the wharf. Its the oldest open-air fish market in continuous operation in the United States, dating back to 1805. But while the market is a local feature, the fish itself is not. This is partly due to globalization: tilapia is farm-grown in countries like China and Indonesia, frozen, shipped, and sold defrosted at the wharf. But even the cod, a fish historically abundant in the Atlantic Ocean, is rarely caught nearby. As it turns out, the reason for this is not economical, its ecological. And it provides a valuable view into the weaknesses of science and mathematical modeling. The story starts about five hundred years ago, when Spanish and Portuguese fishermen sailed West to find huge populations of Atlantic cod swimming around what we now call the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. The fishing was good and the fishermen hauled home barrel upon barrel of Basque-style salted bacalao, roughly 150 metric tons per year. This became a staple protein in Europe for centuries and for a while, all was well. Enter modernity. By the middle of the twentieth century, engineers had developed such powerful bottom-scraping nets and fish-finding sonar systems that cod landings shot up to over 1,000,000 tons in 1968 (see figure). European freezer trawlers took home a big share of this pie, which upset local fishermen who had started seeing sub-par yields. The Canadian government therefore claimed an exclusive economic zone not 3 but 200 miles off the coast, which contained about 90% of the Grand Banks area. The locals then deployed massive trawlers of their own. This led to a decrease in overall cod landing but a recovery in Canadian cod production, and for a while, all was well. Soon, however, the yearly yield of cod stagnated again. This is when fishermen and policymakers got worried. Could it be that there was something wrong with the cod population itself? Clever ecological modelers came up with a way of calculating a maximum sustainable yield (MSY), set at 16% of the total population, which should theoretically leave enough fish to repopulate each year. For a while, all was well, as this mathematical might settled everyones nerves. But fishing floundered further and the Grand Banks cod population collapsed almost entirely in 1992. The government quickly called a moratorium on cod fishing, which was renewed indefinitely in 1993. It marked the end of what was once the greatest fishery on Earth. The collapse of the Grand Banks cod industry was a tragedy for Canada and in particular the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador. Centuries-old fishing towns crumbled as young people moved away to the cities, mirroring declines in the American Rust Belt and other once-famed industrial zones. When asking who was responsible, it is easy to point to greedy fishermen or zealous politicians as the cause of the Grand Banks cods demise. But as reported by science journalist Deborah Mackenzie, and retold well by Duke ecologists Orrin Pilkey and Linda Pilkey-Jarvis in their sobering book Useless arithmetic, some of the blame should land on scientists, too. This is because the magic MSY is in fact a hopeless knot of faulty assumptions. It is obtained by computing how many baby cod will be born from a given population. If you stop fishing at the point where the projected number of babies equals the number of fish caught, you get a population that replenishes itself back to 100% before the next season starts. Makes sense, right? Well, not so fast. First, as Mackenzie quips in a 1995 New Scientist article, the central problem is that fish live in the sea. That is to say: you cannot count them all. Instead, scientists take samples of fish, assess their age, and infer what the total population must look like to have produced such a sample. This is where practical and political concerns come in. While the Canadian government attempted to sample the cod population in the 1980s, their ships caught so much less than professional fishermen that the ecological modelers deferred to the pros samples to infer population size. In doing so, the modelers ignored a selection bias: the pros used better tech and only fished in the highest-yielding spots, so these numbers cannot be extrapolated to the entire region. A second assumption has to do with the way cod make babies. In humans, the number of kids in a population depends heavily on the number of parents, because one pair of parents usually has just one kid at a time. In cod, on the other hand, a single fish can produce eight million eggs at a time. This means that the number of cod babies who make it to adulthood depends much less on the existing population size and much more on environmental factors like food and predation. This was encapsulated in the model that produced the MSY by assuming a fixed recruitment number each year, independent of population size. The issue is that in severely depleted populations, recruitment DOES depend on the number of breeding adults, rendering the model overly optimistic. A third problem is that the fishing industry has far-reaching and often unforeseeable effects on the ecosystem as a whole. New trawl nets invented in the 1980s, write the Pilkeys, severely damage the ocean floor. Juvenile cod survive best in areas that have rough bottoms, hiding from predators behind and within the many nooks and crannies afforded by such a seafloor. [] Since an area equal to all of the worlds continental shelves is trawled every two years, the habitats provided by an uneven seafloor disappear into geologic history. These downstream effects of human activity are rarely accounted for in even the best ecological models. Due to all these issues and then some, the catch allowed by Canadian authorities proved much too highand using MSY to manage the cod population proved to be a fundamentally flawed approach. Retrospective analyses showed that not 16%, but 60% of the total cod population was pulled out of the water in the final years of the Grand Banks cod industry, decimating recruitment and necessitating the fishing ban. A faulty mathematical model is thus why my mid-Atlantic fish market sells Pacific and Alaskan cod. There is reason for optimism, though. Just a month ago, Canadian authorities announced an end to the cod fishing moratorium, 32 years after it began. By finishing fishing just in time, the cod populations were given a last chance to recover. Fishing will commence carefully this year and the yield is limited to 18,000 tonsmuch, much lower than the MSY of 235,000 tons set by the Canadian fisheries minister in 1989. Hopefully, the authorities have updated their assumptions and now leave enough room to accommodate residual model error. Ecology is not my field of studythough I hope I did it justice herebut I see this story as a broader cautionary tale. As scientists attempt to understand larger and more complex systems, we end up dealing with phenomena we can never fully understand, including ecosystems but also economies and mental health. It is impossible to precisely predict outcomes of human interventions in such systems, even with tons of experience. That said, we are eager to intervene in anything we care about, so what are we to do? Some scholars argue for taking a more holistic approach, avoiding the temptation (and failure) to reduce a complex system to its constituent parts. Furthermore, it appears that complex systems can have some stable or predictable features, such as alternative equilibria and the cascades of events that disturb them. A focal point of social science going forward will be how we can leverage these approaches to optimize conditions of life for peopleand fisharound the world. Thanks to Dr. Daan Mes for his insightful comments on a draft of this article. Enjoying the content on 3QD? Help keep us going by donating now. by Tim Sommers Donald Trump is not running for President. He is running to be, as he openly says, a dictator on day one. He sometimes implies he will give up these dictatorial powers at some later point. But given that he fomented a coup to prevent the peaceful exchange of power the last time he lost an election, given that his Supreme Court has recently granted him sweeping immunity from prosecution for criminal conduct, and given that he has told Christian Nationalist supporters that if they elect him they would never have to vote again, Trump peacefully giving up dictatorial powers doesnt seem likely. So, Trump is running for dictator. But it is equally important to be clear about what Trump is running against. Its usually called liberalism. Liberalism is the view that the most fundamental principle of justice is that everyone has certain basic rights, liberties, and freedoms. These freedoms are not arbitrary. These rights are the liberties required for people to pursue their own good in their own way (as John Stuart Mill put it) including having some input on the political system as a whole (via democracy, for example). The rule of law is one of those basic liberties the oldest, in fact. It makes possible the rest by mandating that everyone, including the president or king, must obey the law and that no one is above or beneath the law. Theres also an epistemic side to liberalism. There are facts. These facts are often knowable. There are reliable, though fallible, procedures for arriving at them. These procedures and these facts are potentially available to everyone directly, via reasoning and empirical investigation, or indirectly from reliable sources. So, in addition to respecting the rights and liberties of everyone, our social institutions must be responsive to facts and expertise and avoid being overly political. The basic liberties include, specifically, the (1) freedoms of the person (from physical and psychological assault, the right to bodily integrity, and autonomy), (2) liberties of conscience (freedom of thought, religion, expression, and association), (3) the rule of law (habeas corpus, due process, the right to own property, etc.), (4) political liberties (of thought, speech, assembly, press, voting, holding office, etc.) (For another enumeration of these liberties, see the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution. (But dont forget the Ninth Amendment which says, The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. See also, the Reconstruction Amendments mandating equal protection, due process, and the right to vote for all.) Liberalism was a response to the Wars of Religion which killed millions as much as 30% of the population of some European countries and raged on and off for two hundred years. Liberalism brought peace by taking questions of religious conscience, and later how to live the best life, out of the hands of governments and leaving them to individuals and voluntary associations. The philosophy behind liberalism was provided by the Enlightenment with its emphasis on freedom, knowledge, and faith that people could regulate their own lives. Liberalism came to America in a big way during the Presidential election of 1932 both Herbert Hoover and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Both claimed to be the true liberal in the race. Hoover and his more laissez faire view lost to FDRs New Deal liberalism which included a commitment to fair equality of opportunity and concern with the material well-being of the least well off. Or, as FDR put it, there are four fundamental freedoms: of speech, of worship, from want, and from fear. This style of liberalism was dominant in the U.S. until the 1980s when reactionary conservatives began an organized, well-funded, and sustained project to make liberalism mean something, anything, perceived as bad; e.g., Marxism, socialism, atheism, identity politics, etc. In the early 1990s, for example, Newt Gingrich, the Republican Speaker of the House, instructed his fellow Republicans to always use certain words when referring to liberals and democrats, including bizarre, pathetic, radical, sick, and traitors. Its hard to believe that protecting basic liberties is the political philosophy that Gingrich, conservative Republicans, Tea Partiers, Trump, and the MAGA movement despise enough to have done violence, and promise to do more violence, to destroy. How, specifically, is Trump against liberalism? Heres the tip of that iceberg. Trump and the MAGA movement have given control of womens bodies to the state, denying them the right to make their own medical decisions, even where they have been subjected to sexual violence or their lives are at stake. They have begun taking steps to track womens menstrual cycles and to prevent them from traveling out of state while pregnant. They have also promised to put an end to contraception and recreational sex. Trump and other Republicans have assaulted voting rights, throwing out the Voting Rights Act of 1965, pushing for voting suppression one state at a time, and consistently refusing to accept the outcomes of elections. They have denied the rule of law and openly plan to go further if reelected. Their motto is, as another authoritarian fascist put it, For my friends, everything; for my enemies, the law. Trumps MAGAs are also planning to do away with freedom of religion in favor of religious nationalism. Its worth mentioning that the Wars of Religion that gave rise to liberalism, and killed off so many, were mostly a dispute between Protestants and Catholics, because whether MAGA Christian Nationalism will be Protestant Christian Nationalism (establishing an exclusivist version of Protestant Christianity as the dominant moral and cultural order) or Catholic Integralism (the Catholic faith should be the basis of all public law and public policy within civil society) remains to be seen. Trump is waging war against facts as well as rights. He ushered in the age of alternative facts better described as alternatives to facts or propaganda or simply lies by himself lying in public 30,570 times during his presidency. His Supreme Court is busy cashing out this disdain for facts with a war on expertise. In the face of a global scientific consensus on climate change, SCOTUS denied the EPA the ability to regulate greenhouse gasses. In defending gerrymandering, the Chief Justice dismissed the mathematical models submitted by experts as sociological gobbledygook though these models are already used by gerrymanders to effectively gerrymander. Finally, SCOTUS knee-capped all the Federal Agencies that rely on nonpartisan expertise all at once by throwing out the Chevron Doctrine that allows agencies to appropriately apply regulations to cases. There are hundreds of Federal Agencies, by the way, with a total of 3 million employees. These agencies fight the proliferation of nuclear weapons, direct air traffic, run lighthouses, maintain federal highways, predict weather, track hurricanes and tornadoes, and provide emergency disaster relief among many other things. The fact that Republicans have, for a long time, wanted to do away with the Department of Energy which mainly deals with nuclear safety and nuclear weapons suggests they lack the most basic knowledge about what these various agencies actually do. And the fact that a recent SCOTUS decision confused the pollutant at issue in the case with laughing gas five times, suggests the Courts also lack the knowledge to take over for Federal Agencies. Thats all familiar enough, I suppose, but it is essential to see that the basic rights are not simply a list of things that are important. They are a coherent set of liberties that follows from a particular philosophy. The list of rights is liberalism operationalized. So, we should note that there are also things that MAGA people want to add to this list that have no place. I am tempted to talk about masks and vaccines, but heres a much longer running public health problem. Massive amounts of empirical evidence shows that more guns lead to more suicides, murders, and accidents. Lots of people die because of gun proliferation. Nowhere else in the world do school children suffer through mass shooter drills. (After every mass shooting, the Onions headline is, No Way To Prevent This, Says Only Nation Where this Regularly happens.) We are told that the reason all this is unavoidable is that people have a basic right to own guns that is enshrined in the Bill of Rights. This is nonsense. The Second Amendment was meant to give the States (frankly, the slave states in particular) the right to arm a standing militia to stand against slaves and the Federal Government, if it became necessary (frankly, to defend slavery). This is not shrouded in the mists of history. Start with Hamilton in the Federalist Papers #29. But I dont want to argue Constitutional interpretation here. The deeper point is philosophical. We do not, cannot, have a fundamental right to own any kind of physical object. You dont have a basic right to own a gas stove or a microwave oven. Nor do you have a right to own particular projectile devices. A gun is just metaphysically the wrong kind of thing to be the object of a fundamental right. Another way to put it is that owning a particular physical thing is at the wrong level of abstraction to be a basic liberty. You could argue that your website not being censored is essential to your free speech, which is a basic right. But the right is not to have a website, the right is to speak freely. Similarly, you could argue that you have a right to self-defense (against individuals or the government) that requires a gun. But the right is to self-defense not to own anything in particular, including a gun or any certain type of gun. Why does this matter? The degree to which having a gun supports your right to self-defense is an empirical question not a rights question. For example, if there were robust evidence that reducing the availability of guns (or certain kinds of guns) promoted your self-defense better than you being allowed to own a gun does, there would be no further relevant, rights-based argument that you should get to own one anyway, regardless of the consequences. In other words, something can be essential to some fundamental right without itself being a fundamental right. It could turn out that guns are essential in that way. But the empirical evidence for such a claim is not promising. According to Benjamin Constant, while political rights were central to the Liberty of the Ancients, since only a small number of people make politics central to their lives now, the Liberty of the Moderns (our nonpolitical liberties) are more important. Yet, the courts have consistently privileged, for example, political speech over nonpolitical artistic expression. Why? Because beyond the intrinsic value of these liberties to those engaged in politics, political rights play an essential instrumental role. Democracy is the last line of defense of the rest of our liberties. In other words, vote to keep liberalism. Please. A disability activist and writer is appealing for temporary accommodation until the end of this month after completing her move to Cork from Germany while a disabled access bathroom is installed at her new home at University College Cork. Evelyne Cynk was travelling from Bochum in Germany for two-week stints since January while engaged in a struggle with Irish and German bureaucracy to be able to move to Ireland with support as she is a wheelchair user. She took up an offer to attend the MA in Creative Writing course in UCC and started in January. Battle Finally, in June, Evelyne won her battle to secure her future in Ireland when she received written confirmation from the HSE that she would be supported to move. The plan was then to move to Ireland in July in advance of the start of her second year in September. However, the work on her Irish accommodation is still ongoing as the finishing touches are being put to the accessible bathroom in her apartment in University Hall. Her personal assistant also fell ill and that led to a postponement of two weeks. Her support from the German authorities finished on July 21 so she had to move to Ireland and she arrived this week. At present, she is staying with a friend for a week but she is frantically seeking accommodation for the remaining three weeks in August as the work in her apartment concludes. To make a long story short I am in desperate need of temporary emergency accommodation for my PA and myself for the next three weeks until August 30, she said, adding that this meant two rooms and a wheelchair-accessible bathroom. She has been liaising with the university since June to ensure she would be able to get emergency accommodation but to no avail. Upbeat Despite the difficulties she has experienced, Evelyne is upbeat about her move to Ireland and described her first day in the country as a dream come true. Even though Im struggling with these issues mentally, I feel much better here than in Germany. I have never in my life met such kind-hearted people like here in Ireland. Its amazing to finally feel like home and accepted. And I still stand by it that the mindset of Ireland and Irish people is so different and advanced when it comes to disability even though the system might still need to catch up but I am certain that Ireland will get there. Sarah Slater The body of a woman has been discovered on Tramore Beach in Co Waterford. It is believed the body washed ashore having been in the water, and the discovery was made by a person out walking at seven on Monday morning. Emergency services were tasked to the scene and gardai confirmed that a body had been discovered. A garda spokesperson said that they are investigating all the circumstances following the discovery of a womans body earlier this morning at the promenade in Tramore, Co.Waterford. The womans body has been removed from the scene and brought to Waterford University Hospital (WUH). The local coroner has been notified. The results of post-mortem examinations and local enquiries will determine the course of Garda investigations, the spokesperson added. The woman has yet to be identified. Google is in deep trouble after a federal judge ruled that the company illegally abused a monopoly over the search industry. The ruling follows a 10-week trial held in 2023 that stemmed from a 2020 lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice and several states. Google is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly, Judge Amit Mehta of the US District Court for the District of Columbia wrote in the ruling. "It has violated Section 2 of the Sherman Act." Mehta has not imposed any remedies on Google at the time of writing. The judge may order Google to change how it operates or even sell parts of its business. The lawsuit claimed that Google illegally acted to maintain its dominant position in search through a number of actions, such as paying the likes of Apple, Samsung and Mozilla billions of dollars per year to be the default search engine on their phones and web browsers. The DOJ argued that Google facilitates almost 90 percent of web searches and that by paying to be the default option, it prevented rivals from achieving the kind of scale needed to compete. As such, Google is deemed to benefitted in terms of both revenue and data collection. "Those search access points are preset with a 'default' search engine," the ruling reads. "The default is extremely valuable real estate. Because many users simply stick to searching with the default, Google receives billions of queries every day through those access points. Google derives extraordinary volumes of user data from such searches. It then uses that information to improve search quality." According to Mehta, Google has acknowledged that losing its position as the default search engine on various platforms would harm its bottom line. "For instance, Google has projected that losing the Safari default would result in a significant drop in queries and billions of dollars in lost revenues," the ruling states. Google released the following statement from Kent Walker, President of Global affairs, on X regarding the judge's decision: "This decision recognizes that Google offers the best search engine, but concludes that we shouldnt be allowed to make it easily available. We appreciate the Courts finding that Google is the industrys highest quality search engine, which has earned Google the trust of hundreds of millions of daily users, that Google has long been the best search engine, particularly on mobile devices, has continued to innovate in search and that Apple and Mozilla occasionally assess Googles search quality relative to its rivals and find Googles to be superior. Given this, and that people are increasingly looking for information in more and more ways, we plan to appeal. As this process continues, we will remain focused on making products that people find helpful and easy to use. During the trial, Google argued that its significant slice of market share was due to having a better product that consumers appreciated. In addition, the DOJ claimed that Google held a monopoly over ads that appear in search results. It argued that Google artificially inflated the prices of ads beyond what they'd cost in a free market. In his ruling, Mehta agreed that "Google has exercised its monopoly power by charging supracompetitive prices for general search text ads. That conduct has allowed Google to earn monopoly profits." However, the judge added that Google does not hold monopoly power in the broader market of search advertising. Meanwhile, Mehta declined to impose sanctions on Google for failing to preserve employee chat messages that may have been pertinent to the case. The ruling notes that, since 2008, Google deletes chat messages between its employees by default after 24 hours. "The courts decision not to sanction Google should not be understood as condoning Googles failure to preserve chat evidence," Mehta wrote. "Any company that puts the onus on its employees to identify and preserve relevant evidence does so at its own peril. Google avoided sanctions in this case. It may not be so lucky in the next one." Google and the DOJ are set to return to federal court in September over an ad tech case. Update, August 5 2024, 4:40PM ET: This story was updated to include Google's statement on the ruling. X will soon close its longtime San Francisco office and move employees to offices elsewhere in the Bay Area, according to an email from CEO Linda Yaccarino reported by The New York Times. Yaccarinos note to employees comes several weeks after Elon Musk threatened to move Xs headquarters out of California and into Austin, Texas. Yaccarinos note, however, doesnt seem to mention Texas. According to The New York Times, she told employees the closure will happen over the next few weeks and that employees will work out of a shared engineering space in Palo Alto thats also used by xAI, as well as other locations in San Jose. Twitter, and now X, has had a rocky relationship with its home base since Musks takeover of the company. Musk banned employees from working remotely shortly after taking over the company in 2022, and ordered many Twitter workers back to the office in the mid-Market neighborhood of San Francisco. He later ran afoul of the citys Department of Building Inspection for installing a giant flashing X on top of the building, and for reportedly converting office space into hotel rooms for employees to sleep in. The companys landlord had also sued X over unpaid rent, The San Francisco Chronicle reported earlier this year. The lawsuit was later dismissed. Despite Musks frequent complaints about San Francisco and its elected leaders, he had previously vowed to keep the companys headquarters in the city. Many have offered rich incentives for X (fka Twitter) to move its HQ out of San Francisco, Musk tweeted last year. Moreover, the city is in a doom spiral with one company after another left or leaving. Therefore, they expect X will move too. We will not. You only know who your real friends are when the chips are down. San Francisco, beautiful San Francisco, though others forsake you, we will always be your friend. But, even before Musks recent posts about moving to Austin, there were other signs X may be getting ready to leave after all. The San Francisco Chronicle reported in July that Xs landlord was looking to sublease much of the companys 800,000 square-foot headquarters. X didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. But would you want that? For millions, maybe? According to Bloomberg and The New York Times, Meta is in talks with the likes of Keegan-Michael Key, Awkwafina and Dame Judi Dench, among others, for its AI projects. The company apparently intends to incorporate their voices into a conversational generative AI-slash-digital assistant called MetaAI, which is rumored to be like Siri and Google Assistant, which could live within Facebook, Meta hardware, and all the other parts of the multimillion-dollar social network company. The actors representatives are still negotiating for stricter limits, though SAG-AFTRA has reportedly agreed on terms with Meta. SAG-AFTRA, if you recall, fought for provisions to protect actors from the threat of job loss due to AI. Didnt Meta already do something like this? Yes. During its Connect event last year, the company also introduced a chatbot platform with 28 characters voiced by celebrities, including Snoop Dogg, Paris Hilton, Dwyane Wade and Kendall Jenner. However, those celebrity chatbots pages have since disappeared, and The Information reports that Meta has just quietly scrapped that project. This appears to be more central to Metas AI ambitions. Mat Smith The biggest stories you might have missed What to expect from Googles Pixel 2024 event Apple apologizes for another ad that missed the mark OpenAI is looking into text watermarking for ChatGPT, which could expose cheating students Nintendo profits fall 55 percent as people save their cash for the Switch 2 Say goodbye to Boomerang, the streaming service dedicated to classic cartoons You can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here! It agreed to pay $50 million. Payments relating to a class action lawsuit filed in 2018 over Apples butterfly MacBook keyboards have reportedly begun. The settlement website now states that payments for approved claims will go out in August, and claimants will receive checks. For some, it could mean a check of up to $395. After Apple introduced the butterfly keyboard in 2015, complaints arose over sticky and unresponsive keys. A lawsuit filed in 2018 accused Apple of knowing its keyboards had problems and concealing this from consumers. While Apple denied the lawsuits allegations of defective keyboards, it agreed to pay $50 million as part of a settlement. It also started phasing out the keyboard design in 2019. Continue reading. Idriss Qibaa is being charged over death threats in social media extortion. A guest who appeared on a podcast to boast about a hack-and-payback scheme involving his victims social media accounts is now facing the wrath of the FBI. It received a tip about Qibaas alleged extortion scheme on April 1, pointing to his appearance on the No Jumper podcast. Qibaa outlined a financial scheme using over 200 victims social media accounts, in which he would lock them out of their pages and charge them to regain access. He added he made about $600,000 a month. Continue reading. After 33 years. Game Informer Game Informer announced its parent company, GameStop, is shutting the magazine after 33 years in the business. The entire website and its archives are gone, redirecting to the magazines final statement of thanks to its readers. The publications content director, Kyle Hilliard, said on X the bad news about the mass staff layoffs landed right when they were in the middle of creating an issue. Game Informer launched in August 1991 with Sonic the Hedgehog sprinting across its cover. Continue reading. A couple in Oklahoma was arrested after the man's daughter was reportedly found with a hole in her leg tied to a tree between a chicken coop and a shed. According to witnesses, the girl had been there for days and were sneaking her food. Authorities say the teenager, her father Johnny James, and his girlfriend Kayla Clark, were visiting from Texas. Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies were called to a home after reports of child abuse. Someone called the police claiming a 15-year-old girl was tied up in the backyard, according to 'Law & Crime,' and had "a hole in her leg" and "lesions on her arms." The teenager had reportedly been there for 3 days. RELATED : Ohio Judge Suspended And Indicted After Being Accused Of Unlawfully Securing Public Contracts When police arrived on the scene, the girl was found sitting on a piece of carpet with a "ratchet-style tie down strap around her." She also had a bandage below her knee, per the outlet. James, 40, reportedly told authorities the minor was tied up because "she cannot be trusted and likes to lie." "Johnny explained the times she is left outside was to go to the store or church this morning due to her peeing and pooping on herself and not wanting it inside so they sat her outside that way there is no mess," said the affidavit. "When Johnny was asked, he stated this was the only option to keep her restrained because he did not know what else to do to help her." After speaking with authorities, James reportedly said he "sees now he will need to figure out another solution." Kayla Clark, James' girlfriend who was present at the scene, admitted she was aware of the abuse but was "frazzled." James and Clark were charged with child abuse and neglect. James' bond was set at $500,000. A white elderly man was caught on camera chastising a group of Black people who were mourning the loss of a family member. In a video posted by 'The Neighborhood Talk' Monday, the man, wearing a green shirt and denim shorts, can be heard yelling at the family. "No, this ain't right," while trying to be calmed down by an accompanied white woman, who he referred to as his wife later on in the clip. "I'll tell them to move their car," one woman from the gathering can be heard saying after the man complained his driveway was blocked. Per the video, his driveway was not blocked by any vehicles. "I'm going to call the police if y'all don't do something," he said. "I don't care about all that crap," he answered when someone told him someone had just died. "I don't like you running my neighborhood! I live right there," he said. "I lived here for a good while!" A white woman, who was trying to de-escalate, with the elderly man called him James. "My car is not blocking their driveway," one person told the elderly couple. "They can get out [of] their driveway." "I don't like it. I don't believe in this crap, you hear," the elderly man continued. "You gone start some trouble right there, there's trouble right there." "This is a neighborhood not designed for the 'hood,' " he said, adding how he "don't care what you're doing." The Black family tried to explain to the older man the gathering was a repast for one of their fathers who "died last Sunday" and not a "gang meeting" the man thought it was. When one man from the party asked could he talk to the elderly man, the man replied, "Naw you can't talk to me" and "They not go run me in my house!" "James, you can talk to people better than that. Don't do that," the woman with the elderly man said in an effort to calm him down. "You're ruining my neighborhood," the man called Mr. James said. The video ended with the white couple retreating into their driveway. It's unclear what happened after the video concluded. This isn't the only time a white person confronted a Black neighbor over behavior they deemed wrong. In July, an elderly white woman was caught on video threatening to call cops on a Black neighbor for running her air conditioning unit during the summer. Another viral TikTok showed a disgruntled white woman confronting her Black neighbor who was reportedly "laughing too loud" in their own home in May. A couple of establishment owners of Virginia City, Nevada, were exposed on camera hurling violent racial slurs at a man recording with a phone, and laughing about it. Sources identified the people in the video as Gary Miller and his wife, Janice Cusack. The disturbing video begins with the victim behind the camera being told by a man in a black T-shirt "there's a hanging tree" in his "backyard." The aggressor shown with his middle fingers up at the start of the video teased that the man recording was a "crying motherf*****r" after hurling racist slurs, threatening to hang him, and telling him to "get outta' here." RELATED: Pregnant Hailey Bieber Admits She's 'Not Super Close' With Her Family After Building 'Her Own' Tribe @unclerickyd1 This is what i had to go threw today!! Ive never felt so humiliating and disrespected in my life. #racism at his best. @NAACP @ABC News @cnbc @CBS News @TizzyEnt @Attorney Ben Crump #fypviral @CNN @Fox News original sound - UncleRicky The man recording, identified as Uncle Ricky on TikTok, exclaimed that Gary's behavior was "horrible" and maintained that he didn't disrespect him "not once" to deserve the racist verbal abuse. "I'm not leaving make me leave!" Ricky, an African American man, defended. "I don't make trash I burn it," Gary responded. "That's fifth grade," he said, prompting friends alongside him to laugh out loud. "We love it man, we love it!" Gary doubled-down. "I'm built like a lemon, you have to suck me," the bar owner continued. Bystanders in MAGA hats joined in on the laughter before his wife, Janice, pushed him off of the sidewalk. "Get off my property," she said sternly. "I'm telling you to get off my property," she drilled before flipping her energy to say, "I love you, you're my brother," sarcastically. "I love you baby," she continued. "Come on baby, why are you so upset?" the woman repeated, adding that Jesus loves him. One fan called the "reverse psychology" of the woman "sinister." RELATED: Billy Mays Honored With OxiClean At His Gravestone 15 Years After His Death The video, which has since garnered over 1.3 million views, prompted viewers to band together to leave reviews on the business and tell visitors what they've seen in the TikTok. "I feel like I was watching a horror movie. This is the scariest thing I've ever seen [crying emoji]," a viewer replied. The horrific exchange took place during a "Hot August Nights" event, where Ricky claimed he simply asked the man if he was a registered voter, prompting him to bully and verbally abuse him before he was removed from the establishment. After fans began to swoop in leaving terrible restaurant reviews, it appears their official Facebook has also been permanently removed. 'Yelp' received such an influx of poor reviews it temporarily shut the page down citing an "investigation" related to "media reports." Ricky who was seemingly distraught during the exchange took to social media to thank those who supported him when he didn't know what else to do, and was "cornered in," during the altercation. A Wiltshire farmer has been ordered to pay out 4,000 after obstructing an Environment Agency officer who was taking water samples of suspected pollution. Neil Dyke, of Chipps Farm, near Warminster, drove off in his tractor with water samples taken of suspected pollution from his farm, court heard. The 34-year-old contested the Environment Agency officers right to take samples from suspected pollution. He was fined for removing water sample bottles from the officer and admitted, before Bath magistrates, that he intentionally obstructed the officer. In a case brought by the Environment Agency, the court heard that an officer went to the farm in January this year after pollution was reported in the Rodden Brook. The officer noticed a tractor spreading slurry in the next field and could see that the water in the brook was a dark brown/green colour, with a foam on the surface and smelled strongly indicators of slurry pollution. The officer took photographs and a water sample as well as an ammonia test which showed a result of around 10mg/l which was the maximum reading he could measure. A tractor arrived and the officer explained to the driver what he was doing and twice asked the driver his name, but he refused to say, the court heard. Later, the tractor returned and the driver disputed the officers authorisation to take a sample. Though the officer showed his authorisation, the driver, Mr Dyke, said he would not allow samples to be taken off site and he picked up the ones that were lying on the ground, putting them in the tractor cab. He refused to give them back, despite being asked a number of times, and drove off. Following the hearing, a spokesperson for the Environment Agency said Mr Dykes behaviour was 'totally unacceptable'. The officer was carrying out his lawful duties to establish slurry pollution in the brook," they said. We will not hesitate in pursuing anyone tries to prevent our officers from carrying out work to protect the environment. Mr Dyke was fined 289 and ordered to pay 116 victim surcharge and costs of 3,699. Farmers are being urged to check their staff's operator licences when running farm machinery during the critical harvest period. One area that is often overlooked is ensuring staff operating agricultural vehicles hold the correct licences and qualification, Acres Insurance Brokers says. An example is the fact that not all driving qualifications are equal. In the UK, when someone passes their car driving test and acquires a category B licence, they are automatically entitled to a category F licence to drive a tractor. However, this is not always the case throughout Europe, so if employing seasonal staff from European countries, Acres says it is important not to assume anything. Farmers should check driving licences, as well of course as the right to work in the UK, as a failure to do so could mean any insurance cover would be void, the firm warns. There are also different weight and speed restrictions on some agricultural machines, depending on factors such as type of vehicle, and age of operator, that should also be considered. Tracked vehicles also require a separate category H licence, and this requirement can be missed. Acres Insurance Brokers director Georgie Spencer explains more: Many farm businesses recruit seasonal workers who are under the age of 25. "When recruiting young workers who will be responsible for driving tractors and other farm vehicles, it is important to be aware of age restrictions and any limitations on your insurance. "Policy holders need to inform insurers or brokers of any young drivers under the age of 25, so there is a note added on the policy. While Any Authorised Licensed Driver is covered under the Agricultural Vehicle section of your policy, meaning drivers over the age of 17 with the correct licenses are covered when driving tractors, not all policies cover young drivers when driving commercial vehicles." Tracked vehicles will also need adding to the license, Acres says, and a key priority should also be to make sure any existing motoring convictions by any employees operating agricultural vehicles or machinery are listed on insurance policies. While it is not necessary to name every driver on the policy, Ms Spencer explains that the broker will require a copy of the licence of any driver from outside of the UK, of any age, to ensure insurers are happy with them driving the vehicles on the policy. Regardless of age, we recommend that you conduct a simple driver competency assessment on all seasonal staff. Make sure this is recorded and signed by the employee, she continues. This demonstrates to HSE that you have taken reasonable precautions, and will hopefully flag up any potential training gaps or areas that need to be addressed. "We would advise policy holders to have a fully logged training record for all staff, especially temporary harvest workers. A new report has brought together evidence to underline the UK sheep sector's role in sustainable agriculture, and what more can be done to progress it even further. Sheep farming, which has previously been criticised for being non progressive, now has an 'incredible contribution' toward environmental outcomes and food production. Released by the National Sheep Association (NSA) and the Harper Adams School of Sustainable Food and Farming, it explores the sector's sustainability and considers the trade-offs when required to meet multiple goals. The UK approach to farming sheep aligns with sustainable, regenerative interests in both uplands and lowlands, the report states. It says British livestock are "free to enjoy a life close to nature" whilst farmers are focused on reducing inputs, striving towards responsible medicine use and management practices that will sequester carbon. But there is more that could be done, and the report outlines the steps that sheep farmers can do and the support mechanisms required to best ensure this can be achieved. The report emphasises that sustainability has four key pillars environment, economics, health and society and that all must be considered together rather than in isolation. Professor Jude Capper, of the Harper Adams School of Sustainable Farming, said sheep production was an 'incredibly important' component of UK agriculture that had "shaped most of the landscapes in which we live and work". "At a time when the sector is beset by economic, environmental and social challenges, there's a real need to recognise and celebrate the myriad benefits that sheep production provides," she explained. "It's been a pleasure to work with NSA in detailing the immense value of our sustainable, resilient, eco-friendly sheep production systems." Cumbrian sheep farmer Will Rawling, who contributed to the report, said it highlighted the importance of sensible and sympathetic land management, and that was "part and parcel of what we do". He said: On our farm we have moved away from the systems promoted by post war, cheap and plentiful food policies, whilst remaining productive and hopefully efficient in every respect. "The environment in which we farm has supported generations of ours, as well as lots of other families of fauna and flora. "We now also know that the carbon storage and sequestration capabilities of these diverse habitats are an important feature that will help to promote a healthy future environment. Powys sheep farmer John Yeomans, who also provided a case study for the report, added: "We farm productively in a way that goes hand in hand with improving the environmental footprint of our business. Planting more than 40,000 hedge and tree plants, a small wildflower meadow and several ponds, much completed without grant aid, has all been part of this. "It has been said by many but stands repeating, grazed livestock is a major part of the solution to our planet's challenges, and not the problem. Cardi B feels "so happy" after sharing her pregnancy news with the world. Cardi B recently announced her pregnancy The 31-year-old rap star - who already has Wave, two, and Kulture, six, with her estranged husband Offset - has admitted to feeling a sense of relief after revealing that she's pregnant with her third child. Cardi - who recently filed a divorce from Offset after almost seven years of marriage - wrote on X: "Im so happy yall know I'm [pregnant emoji] now I can stop wearing those deum school girl skirts lmaoooooo [laughing emojis] (sic)" Cardi recently announced her pregnancy via a post on social media. The award-winning rap star - who married Offset in 2017 - said on Instagram: "With every ending comes a new beginning! I am so grateful to have shared this season with you, you have brought me more love, more life and most of all renewed my power! Reminded me that I can have it all! Youve reminded me that I never have to choose between life, love, and my passion! I love you so much and can not wait for you to witness what you helped me accomplish, what you pushed me to do! Its so much easier taking lifes twists, turns and test laying down, but you, your brother and your sister have shown me why its worth it to push through! (sic)" Prior to that, Cardi filed for a divorce from Offset. A rep for the chart-topping star told PEOPLE: "Its not based on cheating rumours, but rather has been a long time coming." Cardi subsequently took to social media to deny that she was seeking child support from her estranged husband. She wrote on Instagram: "Even wit my filling Im not askin for child support my claim is for him to only pay for the bills he already pays on the kids and the new one (sic)" Faye Dunaway says opening up about her diagnosis with bipolar disorder felt "cathartic". Faye Dunaway felt good about sharing her mental health issues in a new documentary The 83-year-old Bonnie and Clyde actress went public with her mental health struggles in new HBO documentary Faye and explained how she was put on medication after being probed by doctors - and she's now insisted speaking openly about her condition has helped her "overcome and understand" her difficulties. During an interview with The Independent newspaper, Faye was asked if it felt "cathartic" to speak about her condition and she replied: "Cathartic is a good word. It was. To look at it all and see what it added up to. It was difficult sometimes, because it is very private to me. "I was a bit wary at seeing it all out there, but thats the process its the whole point of the film, the sharing of who I am. I dug deep!" She went on to explain how her condition actually helped her as an actress, adding: "The mania we tap into, and the sadness, of course I dont know how all that works exactly but I understand that I need all of that to use in my craft. "It has been a difficulty, of course, as a person sometimes. Its something Ive had to deal with and overcome and understand. It is something that is part of who I am, and that now I can understand and deal with much more." Faye gained a reputation for being difficult in Hollywood with her fellow acting veteran Bette Davis, who died aged 81 in 1989, once telling chat show host Johnny Carson she was impossible and uncooperative on set. Speaking in the 'Faye' film, she said of her temperament: I dont mean to make an excuse about it, I am still responsible for my actions. "But this is what I came to understand, was the reason for them. Its something you need to be aware of, you need to try to do the right thing to take care of it. "[My mental health is] a sensitivity and its something that is just a part of my make-up Thank God there is medication and there are studies, and there are doctors who deal with this and Ive been able to benefit from that. "Medication is crucial and without it, you fall back into what is there psychologically and biologically." She added of her treatment: "I worked with a group of doctors who analysed my behaviour, who gave me prescriptions for pills they thought would be good for me. And that helped. "So I am quieter. But throughout my career, people know there were tough times." Friendship Day may have come and gone, but why not keep the celebration going? What better way to do that than to indulge in a Bollywood marathon that captures the true spirit of friendship? Grab the popcorn, get comfy, and relive the magic of these classic films that celebrate camaraderie and connection! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Excel Entertainment (@excelmovies) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Farhan Akhtar (@faroutakhtar) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aamir Khan Productions (@aamirkhanproductions) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shraddha aAAAAA (@shraddhakapoor) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Farhan Akhtar (@faroutakhtar) Dil Chahta Hai redefined friendship goals for an entire generation. Directed by Farhan Akhtar, this film tells the story of three inseparable friends Akash, Sameer, and Siddharth navigating the ups and downs of life after college. With its relatable characters, memorable dialogues, and soulful music, this movie is a perfect tribute to the essence of true friendship.This one is a heartfelt tribute to the power of dreams and the strength of friendships. Directed by Abhishek Kapoor, this film follows the reunion of a rock band and the rekindling of old friendships. The movie's soulful music, emotional depth, and strong performances make it an inspiring and moving choice for celebrating Friendship Day.This romantic comedy captures the quintessential college friendship between Jai (Imran Khan) and Aditi (Genelia DSouza). Their close bond, the misunderstandings, and the realization of love make it a delightful watch that resonates with anyone who has ever had a best friend.A heartwarming film that takes you back to college days, Nitesh Tiwaris Chhichhore is about a group of friends who reunite to support one of their own in a time of crisis. The film beautifully depicts the lasting impact of friendships formed during our formative years.A road trip to Spain turns into a journey of self-discovery and deepening friendship for three friends, portrayed by Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, and Abhay Deol. This film beautifully captures the essence of living life to the fullest with your best pals. Italy, the worlds fashion hub, imported apparel worth $539.328 million from China during January-April 2024. Trousers and shorts topped the import basket of apparel products. It is noteworthy that imports remained stable during this period, with Italys apparel imports valued at $539.986 million in the corresponding period of 2023. The import of trousers and shorts was valued at $91.302 million in the first four months of the current year, accounting for 16.93 per cent of Italys total apparel imports during this period. The second most imported item was jerseys, valued at $70.661 million, representing 13.10 per cent of the total. Among the top five products, the import of dresses was $49.780 million (9.23 per cent), shirts $43.647 million (8.09 per cent), and jackets and blazers $39.805 million (7.38 per cent), according to Fibre2Fashion's market insight tool TexPro. Italy imported $539.328 million worth of apparel from China in January-April, with trousers and shorts being the top items. This figure was nearly stable compared to $539.986 million during January-April 2023. Jerseys and dresses were also significant imports. In 2023, Italy's apparel imports from China were $1.84 billion, with jerseys being the top item. Last year, Italys apparel imports from China totalled $1,840.217 million. Jerseys were the top imported product, with imports valued at $410.343 million, making up 22.30 per cent of the total. Trousers and shorts ranked second, with imports valued at $254.816 million, accounting for 13.85 per cent. The imports of dresses amounted to $140.335 million (7.63 per cent), accessories $122.920 million (6.68 per cent), and jackets and blazers $112.753 million (6.13 per cent). As per TexPro, China was the top supplier of Italys apparel imports. However, Italys apparel imports have become more diversified in terms of sourcing destinations. Chinas share was 11.13 per cent of Italys total apparel imports of $5,699.977 million in the first four months of the current year. In 2023, Italys total apparel imports reached $19.671 billion, with Chinas share at 12.80 per cent during the same period. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL) Ocean freight container shipping spot rates have dramatically increased in recent months, but the long-term market has been insulated from this volatility in comparison, perhaps until now, according to Xeneta. The Xeneta global shipping index (XSI), which covers all valid long term contracts in the market, reached 151.5 points in July. Ocean freight container shipping spot rates have dramatically risen in recent months, but the long-term market has been insulated from this volatility in comparison, perhaps until now, Xeneta said. The XSI sub-index for Far East exports, which includes the biggest fronthaul trades to Europe and the US, increased by 12.6 per cent in July to 178.8 points. While this is still 4 per cent lower than December last year, it represents a month-on-month (MoM) increase of 2.5 per cent from June, the Norway-based ocean and air freight rate benchmarking and market analytics platform said in a release. More notably, the underlying XSI sub-index for Far East exports, which includes the worlds biggest fronthaul trades to Europe and the United States, increased by 12.6 per cent in July to 178.8 points. This coincides with short term rates on major trades from the Far East to the United States and Europe beginning to soften in July from the massive increases seen over recent months, Xeneta noted in a release. Long term ocean container shipping rates remained subdued despite massive increases on the short term market in May and June but that is starting to change, Xeneta senior shipping analyst Emily Stausboll said. This is a pivotal time for the market. Shippers will be hoping the spot market crashes back down hard and fast, while carriers will be doing everything possible to keep short term rates elevated for as long as possible, she observed. Long term shipping rates on the major fronthauls from the Far East to Europe and the United States may now be showing signs of upward pressure, but the backhaul trades remain subdued in July. The Far East export sub-index of the XSI increased by 12.6 per cent in July to 178.8 points. While this is significant given the importance of the major fronthaul trades involved, developments on the long-term market are still a long way from matching the massive spike in spot rates. The sub-index for Far East imports fell to 94.1 points in July15.7 per cent lower than June and the lowest this sub-index has been since the first quarter of 2020. The XSI for US imports rose for the second month in a row in July, this time growing by 6.4 per cent from June to bring the index to 161.3 points. Julys figure is down by 30.4 per cent YoY, but up by 9 per cent from May 2024, when the sub-index bottomed out at 147.9 points. The sub-index for US exports fell by 10.2 per cent in Julythe biggest MoM drop since April 2023. It now stands at 108.8 points, and its lowest level since October 2021. The sub-index for European Imports rose to 167.5 points in Julya 2.7-per cent increase following two months of declines. This leaves the index down by 9.6 per cent YoY. The sub-index for European exports fell by 4.8 per cent in July, making it five consecutive months of decline. It now stands at 114.6 pointsthe lowest it has been since January 2021. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) Siddharth recently attended the 69th SOBHA Filmfare Awards South 2024 and won a Filmfare award for Best Actor (Critics') - Tamil for his movie Chithha. The movie also won the Best Film - Tamil award, while Nimisha Sajayan bagged the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female) - Tamil award. In total, Chithha won 7 awards at the prestigious event which was held in Hyderabad. Aditi Rao Hydari took to social media to congratulate Siddharth and shared an adorable photo of him holding two Filmfare awards. Alongside the photo, she wrote, "2=7! 7 for #chithha at @filmfare 2024. Congratulations to the team! When artistry is rewarded, when good people win, when good cinema wins, we all win. @worldofsiddharth." Check out her post below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aditi Rao Hydari (@aditiraohydari) She further added, "More power to you, to your hard work, your determination to tell stories from the heart, more power to push for craft, to work against all the odds with a childlike joy! Keep creating, keep dreaming, may the little cinema boy in you always be brimming with ideas and excitement with the utmost curiosity and honesty. To your very own own cinema Paradiso legacy you learnt from the best and here you are... simply and effortlessly the bestest!" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Filmfare (@filmfare) In his winning speech for Best Actor (Critics') - Tamil, Siddharth thanked his mother, Aditi, and more for their support. Noting the moment to be special to him, Siddharth wished to achieve more Filmfare awards in the future. SINGAPORE, Aug. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Markel, the insurance operations within Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), is pleased to announce several key hires to its Singapore and Hong Kong teams. These appointments will play a significant role in the delivery of the organisation's growth strategy as it continues strengthening its operations and underwriting capabilities in the Asia Pacific region. Alvernia Xu has been appointed to Head of Operations - Asia Pacific, based in Singapore. Xu joins Markel from Liberty Specialty Markets, where she worked as Senior Manager, Operations since 2021. During this time, she was responsible for the overall management of the Asia Operations team across Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and China. In her new role, Xu will ensure that Markel has best-in-class operational infrastructure to underpin its growth plans, improving efficiency both for clients and team members. Xu will report to Christian Stobbs, Managing Director - Asia Pacific, at Markel. Jenny Choi joins Markel in Hong Kong as Senior Underwriter, Casualty. She comes from Swiss Re, where she was, most recently, Senior Casualty Facultative Underwriter. Choi brings extensive experience of underwriting a wide range of casualty risks across Hong Kong and Taiwan, which will play an important role in helping to expand Markel's Casualty portfolio in Asia. Alongside Choi's appointment, Anna Tan joins Markel in Hong Kong as Senior Underwriter, Fine Art & Specie. Previously, she worked for Hamilton Insurance Group, where she was employed as Senior Underwriter, Fine Art & Specie. Tan's connectivity and track record across Asia - most recently in Greater China - will help to strengthen Markel's rapidly growing profile as a lead market for Fine Art & Specie insurance in the region. Meanwhile, Olga Wong joins Markel in Singapore, assuming the role of Senior Underwriter, Professional Financial Risk (PFR). Before joining Markel, she served as a Senior Financial Lines Underwriter at AXA XL. With 20 years of experience in financial lines underwriting across Asia, Wong's appointment will bolster Markel's Financial Lines proposition, particularly with brokers in the Singapore market. Choi, Tan and Wong will report to Kevin Leung, Chief Underwriting Officer - Asia Pacific, at Markel. Markel has also named Isabelle Wong as Cargo Underwriter, with responsibility for developing and underwriting marine cargo business in the Asia-Pacific region. Wong joins Markel from Willis Towers Watson and will be based in Singapore, reporting to Wanshi Lin, Senior Marine Underwriter at Markel. Stobbs commented: "We're thrilled to have Alvernia Xu join our team. Her extensive experience in operations and digital distribution will be of huge benefit as we continue to expand our presence in the Asia Pacific region. Her strategic vision will drive our operations forward, ensuring we meet our growth and efficiency targets." Leung added: "I'm excited to welcome Olga Wong, Jenny Choi, Isabelle Wong and Anna Tan to the Markel family. Their combined expertise and deep understanding of their respective fields will significantly strengthen our underwriting capabilities in Singapore and Hong Kong, helping to deliver a better proposition for our clients and brokers. We're confident that their contributions will enhance our service offerings and solidify our market position in these key regions." About Markel We are Markel, a leading global specialty insurer with a truly people-first approach. As the insurance operations within Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), we operate the Markel Specialty, Markel International, and Markel Global Reinsurance divisions, as well as State National, our portfolio protection and program services operations, and Nephila, our insurance-linked securities operations. Our broad array of capabilities and expertise allow us to create intelligent solutions for the most complex risk management needs. However, it is our people - and the deep, valued relationships they develop with colleagues, brokers and clients - that differentiates us worldwide. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2474578/Markel_Alvernia_Xu.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2474581/Markel_Jenny_Choi.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2474577/Markel_Anna_Tan.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2474580/Markel_Olga_Wong.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2474579/Markel_Isabelle_Wong.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2090808/Markel_primary_logo_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/markel-enhances-singapore-and-hong-kong-presence-with-strategic-hires-302213532.html Singapore's National Precision Medicine (NPM) programme will sequence 10,000 genomes to improve understanding of genetic architecture and diversity in Singapore's multi-ethnic Asia population through advanced, nanopore-based sequencing technology Oxford Nanopore Technologies (Oxford Nanopore) has announced a landmark project with Singapore's National Precision Medicine (NPM) programme, led by Precision Health Research, Singapore (PRECISE), aimed at developing a comprehensive structural variant catalogue representing three major ethnic groups in Singapore including Chinese, Malay and Indian ethnicities. These genetic variations have demonstrated significance in helping clinician scientists and researchers in understanding human genetic diversity and diseases. This initiative underscores Oxford Nanopore's commitment to advancing genetic research and healthcare outcomes on a global scale, particularly for ethnically diverse populations that are typically underrepresented in genomic databases. Oxford Nanopore's portion of the project will focus on sequencing 10,000 genomes representing Singapore's diverse population, including Malay, Indian, and Chinese communities participating in the PRECISE-SG100K population cohort. This project will use Oxford Nanopore's fleet of high-output PromethION 48 sequencing devices to deliver detailed, comprehensive genomic data to advance research and support precision healthcare. The project started mid-2024 and will run up to 12 months. Oxford Nanopore's platform offers unparalleled scalability and flexibility in DNA/RNA sequencing and is capable of characterising both short and ultra-long native DNA/RNA fragments, including detection of methylation, an important biomarker found in DNA, without the need for additional steps and at speeds faster than other platforms. This capability which cannot be done with short reads or traditional methods is crucial for accurately identifying a wide range of genetic variations that are essential for understanding complex diseases and tailoring individualised treatment plans. Oxford Nanopore has made strategic investments in Singapore, which it has positioned as a commercial hub for the Asia Pacific region. The company recently expanded its laboratory facilities in Singapore to support increased activities in training, knowledge transfer, and the up-skilling of local technical staff. This includes deploying sequencers within the Science Centre Singapore and the Singapore Institute of Technology for use within high school, undergraduate and adult education programmes. Additionally, the company has access to a distribution facility in Singapore through its expanded partnership with UPS Healthcare, resulting in faster delivery of flow cells to Singapore and across the Asia Pacific. Gordon Sanghera, CEO of Oxford Nanopore, said: "We are excited to collaborate with Singapore's National Precision Medicine (NPM) programme to create one of the most extensive and inclusive reference genome datasets globally. This collaboration not only enhances our commitment to precision healthcare but also strategically positions Singapore as a pivotal hub for genomics in the Asia Pacific, fostering significant advancements in medical research and healthcare outcomes." There are also other partners in this project, including NovogeneAIT, that demonstrate a strong collaborative effort to leverage innovative technology in genomics. Oxford Nanopore has been collaborating with the scientific teams to demonstrate that complete genomic data can be generated with Oxford Nanopore sequencing devices, resulting in groundbreaking "telomere to telomere" datasets and in preparation for commencing the larger sequencing programme. About Oxford Nanopore Technologies Oxford Nanopore Technologies' goal is to bring the widest benefits to society through enabling the analysis of anything, by anyone, anywhere. The company has developed a new generation of nanopore-based sensing technology for real-time, high-performance, accessible and scalable analysis of DNA and RNA. The technology is used in more than 120 countries to understand the biology of humans and diseases such as cancer, plants, animals, bacteria, viruses, and whole environments. Oxford Nanopore Technologies products are intended for molecular biology applications and are not intended for diagnostic purposes. For more, visit: https://nanoporetech.com/ About Precision Health Research, Singapore (PRECISE) Precision Health Research, Singapore (PRECISE) is the central entity set up to coordinate a whole of Singapore effort to implement Phase II of Singapore's three-phase National Precision Medicine (NPM) programme. NPM Phase II aims to transform healthcare in Singapore and improve patient outcomes through new insights into the Asian genome and data-driven healthcare solutions. In NPM Phase II, PRECISE will collaborate with Singapore research and clinical partners, including the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, National Healthcare Group, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, and SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre to study the genetic makeup of 100,000 healthy Singaporeans and specific patient cohorts. The genetic data will be integrated with detailed lifestyle, environmental, and clinical data to yield rich insights into factors that contribute to Asian diseases and conditions. Additionally, NPM Phase II will enhance the breadth and depth of the Precision Medicine-related industry by attracting and anchoring overseas companies in Singapore, while yielding new opportunities for home-grown companies. To enhance and accelerate the precision medicine sector, PRECISE works in close collaboration with A*STAR, the Biomedical Sciences Industry Partnership Office, and the Economic Development Board to catalyse the next phase of growth for Singapore's healthcare and the biomedical technology industries. PRECISE is a programme of the Consortium for Clinical Research and Innovation, Singapore (CRIS). PRECISE is supported by the National Research Foundation, Singapore (NRF) under the RIE2020 White Space (MOH-000588 and MOH-001264) and administered by the Singapore Ministry of Health through the National Medical Research Council (NMRC) Office, MOH Holdings Pte Ltd For more information, visit www.npm.sg View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240804436871/en/ Contacts: media@nanoporetech.com EQS Newswire / 05/08/2024 / 10:29 UTC+8 Expecting to Announce Annual Results by 31 August (HONG KONG, 5 August 2024) - Unity Group Holdings International Limited ("Unity Group" or the "Group", stock code: 1539.HK), a leading comprehensive energy-saving and GreenTech solution provider with headquarters in Hong Kong, announces that concerning the announcement of the Group dated 12 July 2024 in relation to the change of auditor, the Group officially appointed AFG CPA & Company Limited ("AFG") as the auditor of the Group with the recommendation of the audit committee. The appointment was effective from 26 July 2024 to fill the casual vacancy following the Resignation of BDO and to hold office until the next annual general meeting of the Group and shall then be subject to appointment by the members. AFG is a member firm of Beijing Xinghua Certified Public Accountants (Special General Partnership) ("Beijing Xinghua"). Currently, Beijing Xinghua is one of the leading 20 accounting firms in China. AFG also has a presence in Malaysia, which the Group believes it will be able to support the Group's potential capital market activities in Malaysia as the Group's business grows in the country. Based on discussion with AFG and subject to their audit progress and review, the Group preliminarily expects that (i) the FY23/24 Annual Results could be published by 31 August 2024, and (ii) the 2023/2024 Annual Report could be despatched by 30 September 2024. The Board wants to emphasise that the Group's operations remain normal in all significant ways. Meanwhile, trading in the shares of the Group on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong is expected to be resumed by the end of August after the FY23/24 Annual Results were published. If there are any additional details, the Group will publish announcement(s) accordingly. Mr. Mansfield Wong, Chairman of the Group, said, "The Group would like to take this opportunity to express its welcome to AFG as the new auditor, assisting the Group in completing the relevant audit process during the performance period. AFG has business presence in Malaysia and will also be able to assist the Group in its future capital market activities in Malaysia." - Ends - About Unity Group Holdings International Limited Founded in 2008, Unity Group became the first energy service company to be listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. At the core of its operations is the Energy Management Contract (EMC) business model, which implements customized solutions designed to achieve optimal energy efficiency and maximize returns for clients. Unity Group employs industry-leading, effective, and practical research methodologies. These methodologies span innovative green technologies, data analysis, and machine learning. The outcomes of its research and development efforts manifest in its uniquely versatile, appropriate, and actionable green technology solutions. Currently, Unity Group operates in Mainland China, Malaysia, and the Middle East. Unity Group's website: https://www.unitygroup.eco/index.php For media inquiries, please contact LBS Communications Consulting Limited. Joanne Chan Tel: (852)3679 3671 Email: jchan@lbs-comm.com 05/08/2024 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Media archive at www.todayir.com SOCIETE GENERALE SIGNS AN AGREEMENT WITH BRED BANQUE POPULAIRE TO SELL ITS SUBSIDIARY IN MADAGASCAR Press release Paris, 5 August 2024 at 7:30 am Societe Generale has signed an agreement with BRED Banque Populaire which would result in the total divestment of Societe Generale Group's shares (70%) in Societe Generale Madagasikara, in Madagascar. According to the commitments made, BRED Banque Populaire would take over all activities operated by this subsidiary, as well as all client portfolios and employees within this entity. This transaction would have a positive impact of around 2 basis points on the Group's CET1 ratio, on the expected completion date which could take place by the end of the first quarter of 2025. (1) This divestment project is subject to the usual conditions precedent and the validation of the relevant financial and regulatory authorities. (1)Unaudited figures Press contacts: Jean-Baptiste Froville_+33 1 58 98 68 00 _ jean-baptiste.froville@socgen.com Amandine Grison_+33 1 41 45 92 40_ amandine.grison@socgen.com Societe Generale Societe Generale is a top tier European Bank with more than 126,000 employees serving about 25 million clients in 65 countries across the world. We have been supporting the development of our economies for 160 years, providing our corporate, institutional, and individual clients with a wide array of value-added advisory and financial solutions. Our long-lasting and trusted relationships with the clients, our cutting-edge expertise, our unique innovation, our ESG capabilities and leading franchises are part of our DNA and serve our most essential objective - to deliver sustainable value creation for all our stakeholders. The Group runs three complementary sets of businesses, embedding ESG offerings for all its clients: French Retail, Private Banking and Insurance , with leading retail bank SG and insurance franchise, premium private banking services, and the leading digital bank BoursoBank. , with leading retail bank SG and insurance franchise, premium private banking services, and the leading digital bank BoursoBank. Global Banking and Investor Solutions , a top tier wholesale bank offering tailored-made solutions with distinctive global leadership in equity derivatives, structured finance and ESG. , a top tier wholesale bank offering tailored-made solutions with distinctive global leadership in equity derivatives, structured finance and ESG. Mobility, International Retail Banking and Financial Services, comprising well-established universal banks (in Czech Republic, Romania and several African countries), Ayvens (the new ALD I LeasePlan brand), a global player in sustainable mobility, as well as specialized financing activities. Committed to building together with its clients a better and sustainable future, Societe Generale aims to be a leading partner in the environmental transition and sustainability overall. The Group is included in the principal socially responsible investment indices: DJSI (Europe), FTSE4Good (Global and Europe), Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Refinitiv Diversity and Inclusion Index, Euronext Vigeo (Europe and Eurozone), STOXX Global ESG Leaders indexes, and the MSCI Low Carbon Leaders Index (World and Europe). For more information, you can follow us on Twitter/X @societegenerale or visit our website societegenerale.com . Attachment EQS-News: / Key word(s): Bond 100 million to the West African Development Bank (BOAD): The Italian Climate Fund subscribes the first ever hybrid bond for climate change mitigation issued by a multilateral bank 05.08.2024 / 09:00 CET/CEST The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. 100 million to the West African Development Bank (BOAD): The Italian Climate Fund subscribes the first ever hybrid bond for climate change mitigation issued by a multilateral bank The funds will be used to build and rehabilitate infrastructure for the production of electricity from renewable sources ROME, Italy, August 5, 2024/APO Group/ -- The funds will be used to finance projects in the renewable energy sector aimed at mitigating climate change; The initiatives will be targeting the eight West African countries that hold equity in BOAD ( www.BOAD.org ): Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Niger, Senegal, Togo, Mali, and Guinea-Bissau. A 100 million operation to finance projects addressing climate change mitigation in West Africa through the subscription of the first hybrid bond issued by a multilateral bank with this exclusive purpose. This is outlined in the agreement signed by the Italian Climate Fund, managed by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) on behalf of the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE), and the West African Development Bank (BOAD), a multilateral development bank of the West African Economic and Monetary Union countries (WAEMU). Specifically the agreement, which was signed today at the headquarters of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti in the presence of Edmondo Cirielli, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Serge Ekue, President of BOAD; and Dario Scannapieco, CEO of CDP, involves the subscription by the Climate Fund of a hybrid bond amounting to 100 million, issued by BOAD. The funds will be used to build and rehabilitate infrastructure for the production of electricity from renewable sources, in order to diversify the energy mix, avoid CO2 emissions and reduce energy production costs, thus contributing to the achievement of several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG7 ("Affordable and Clean Energy"), in the WAEMU Member Countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, e Togo. "This Sustainable Hybrid Private Placement, issued in line with our Sustainability Framework, will help BOAD to strengthen its capital structure and therefore reinforce its rating profile while serving its Member Countries' electricity generation needs. This second hybrid bond transaction closed by BOAD in accordance with its Djoliba Strategic Plan shows our commitment to further advance economic growth and sustainable development through impact-focused and innovative financing solutions" declared M. Serge EKUE, President and chairman of BOAD. The Sustainable Hybrid Private Placement will enable BOAD to strengthen its capital structure, enhancing its ability to mobilize new climate finance in the region. The bond issue subscribed by the Italian Climate Fund is one of the first in the world of this kind issued by a multilateral bank, including the hybrid bond issued by the African Development Bank in January 2024. Finally, the initiative is in line with the recommendations formulated from the G20 during Italian presidency aimed at strengthening the investment capacity of multilateral development banks. The Italian Climate Fund, with an allocation of 4.2 billion euros, is aimed at financing public and private projects in emerging and developing countries that contribute to the achievement of climate and environmental goals, in line with Italy's international climate commitment. "The Italian government's commitment to selecting and supporting qualified entities to ensure concrete and productive investments in Africa continues, in perfect alignment with the objectives and guidelines of the Mattei Plan" stated Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Italian Minister of Environment and Energy Security. "Countries will benefit from the first euro-denominated hybrid bond that the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security has been able to create, thanks to the technical and financial expertise of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti. The installation of green energy plants will support sustainable economic growth in Africa, and at the same time, the proposed financial solution is highly innovative: a distinctly Italian approach that highlights our new way of engaging in cooperation with African countries." "Steps like the signing of this agreement allow us to realize the vision of the Mattei Plan, particularly confirming the strategic role of the Climate Fund," stated Edmondo Cirielli, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, who spoke at the signing ceremony. "We aim to promote economic growth and environmental sustainability in West Africa and across the continent, always in a spirit of equal partnership. Actors like CDP and BOAD are crucial in this context." "This operation marks a significant milestone for the Italian Climate Fund, the climate finance instrument of the Italian government, managed by CDP on behalf of the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security. The first euro-denominated hybrid bond issued by an African multilateral development institution, which will have tangible benefits for the capitalization of BOAD and, consequently, the African banking system, will allocate additional resources to support projects in the renewable energy sectors across eight West African countries. This is another initiative, which adds to the initiatives already undertaken as part of the Mattei Plan, aimed at promoting the continent's efforts towards climate change mitigation, in line with the United Nations' Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals," has declared Dario Scannapieco, CEO of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Banque Ouest Africaine de Developpement (BOAD). Download image 1: https://bit.ly/4ceT1LR Download image 2 : https://bit.ly/3SDBQN4 Download image 3 : https://bit.ly/3WPZnNi Download image 4 : https://bit.ly/4d83gCV Download image 5: https://bit.ly/3WPZsAA About the Italian Climate Fund: The Italian Climate Fund is the innovative financial instrument promoted by the Italian government to support climate finance projects in developing countries and emerging markets. The Fund, established by the Budget Law 2022 at the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security and managed by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.p.A., has an endowment of 4.2 billion euros and is dedicated to finance initiatives across both public and private sector aimed at fostering the achievement of the goals set by international agreements on climate and environmental protection to which Italy is a party. About Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP): CDP is the Italian National Promotional Institution and the Financial Institution for International Development Cooperation entrusted by the Italian State to foster the sustainable development of Italy and partner countries. CDP supports economic growth, social inclusiveness and ecological transition by investing in innovation, business competitiveness, infrastructures and local development. According to its 2022-2024 Strategic Plan, it is expected to mobilize a total of 128 billion investments within 2024. For more information visit: www.CDP.it About BOAD: The West African Development Bank (BOAD) is the common development finance institution of the member countries of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). It is an international public institution whose purpose, as provided under Article 2 of its Articles of Association, is to promote the balanced development of its member countries and foster economic integration within West Africa by financing priority development projects. It is accredited to the three climate finance facilities (GEF, AF, GCF). Since 2009, BOAD sits as an observer at the UNFCCC and actively participates in discussions on devising an international climate finance system. Since January 2013, it has been home to the first Regional Collaboration Centre (RCC) on Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), whose aim is to provide direct support to governments, NGOs and the private sector in identifying and developing CDM projects. BOAD has issued the 1st sustainable bond out of Africa in 2021 andthe 1st hybrid bond ever issued by an MDB in 2023. Since October 15, 2023, the Bank co-chairs with Bancoldex, the Colombian Business and Export Development Bank, the International Development Finance Club (IDFC), which brings together 26 national, regional and bilateral development banks from around the world. 05.08.2024 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.eqs-news.com PRAGUE, Aug. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The immersive audiovisual exhibition Pilsner Urquell: The Original Beer Experience, where the story of the famous Pilsner beer comes to life in a completely unique way, celebrates one year since its opening in the historic building on Wenceslas Square. The exhibition was visited by hundreds of thousands of visitors and it became one of the top 5 most visited tourist attractions in Prague. Experience the story of the first golden lager for yourself The Pilsner Urquell Experience is a unique attraction in Central and Eastern Europe. It is the only brand home of Plzensky Prazdroj in the world. "The exhibition maps the historical events that led to the creation of Pilsner beer as we know it today. Using state-of-the-art technology, it allows visitors to witness this fascinating story live and experience it for themselves," says Karen Hartley, CEO of The Original Experience Company. In addition, visitors can try out the art of proper beer tapping literally on their own in the Tapster Academy. One of the five most visited tourist attractions in Prague The unique exhibition concept has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world and they can now enjoy the interactive exhibition in ten languages. It is most often visited by tourists from Germany, the United States, Great Britain, the Czech Republic and Italy. "Since June, we have a combined ticket to The Original Tour and a ticket for a one-hour cruise on the Vltava River with Prague Boats. As part of the exhibition, visitors will learn about history and Czech culture with all their senses, which they can then take in on a sightseeing cruise on the Vltava River," adds Romana Jedlickova. Food and experiences In the traditional Beer Hall, guests can taste properly poured draught beer, which is taken care of by our specially trained tapsters. A special Beer Sommelier Dinner is a real novelty of its kind. It is a tasting menu where each of the five tasting courses is paired with different beers from the Czech Republic and other European countries. In addition, guests are guided through the tasting by one of our experienced tapsters so they can learn more about the origins of specific beers. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2474571/Pilsner_Urquell.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/discover-the-history-of-the-original-czech-lager-at-the-unique-pilsner-urquell-the-original-beer-experience-exhibition-in-prague-302213437.html NEW YORK, Aug. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ren Hongbin, Chairman of the China Council for Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), participated and delivered a speech at U.S.-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum in New York during his visit to US, along with the led delegation of Chinese business leaders. More than 300 representatives from both Chinese and American business associations attended the forum. Ren Hongbin remarked, "China and the United States have highly complementary economies with deeply integrated interests. Strengthening supply chain cooperation between our two nations is crucial in maintaining a stable global supply chain, and in driving economic growth in both countries and beyond. The CCPIT remains committed to fostering friendly exchanges between the business communities of China and the U.S. Furthermore, we encourage Chinese and American companies to use the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) as a platform to strengthen supply chain collaboration." Huang Ping, Consul General of the Chinese Consulate General in New York, extended an invitation to U.S. companies to engage with CISCE to forge practical partnerships and advance China-U.S. relations. Peter Tichansky, President and CEO of the Business Council for International Understanding, underscored the vast opportunities for collaboration in areas such as innovation, energy transition, artificial intelligence, chip technology and trade. He expressed aspirations to deepen ties with CCPIT and collaboratively strive for a safer, more prosperous global landscape. Wang Zhanghua, President of the Asian American Business Development Center, voiced his optimism that the business communities of China and the U.S. would use the forum as a catalyst to jointly address challenges, develop new cooperation models, and work towards a thriving, sustainable, and inclusive future. Declan Daly, COO of the U.S. Council for International Business (USCIB), affirmed that USCIB stands ready to enhance its collaboration with CCPIT and its affiliates, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations. Hu Wei, Chairman of the China General Chamber of Commerce - USA and President of Bank of China USA pledged to continue CGCC's role in fostering dialogue and facilitating exchanges, creating more opportunities for Sino-American corporate cooperation. He looks forward to the upcoming 2nd CISCE in Beijing this November. The 2nd CISCE, scheduled from November 26th to 30th, 2024, in Beijing. Preparations are well underway, with robust participation from both domestic and international companies. For more information, please visit https://en.cisce.org.cn/. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2475149/On_July_29_local_time_U_S__China_Economic_Trade.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2427202/CISCE_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/us-china-economic-and-trade-cooperation-forum-held-to-explore-more-opportunities-for-business-cooperation-302214142.html More than ever, Canadians are looking for answers to their bladder leaks questions. TORONTO, Aug. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Incontinence is often considered a taboo subject, which can lead to a lack of awareness and discussion. TENA, the leader in hygiene and incontinence solutions is calling on the public to shift their perception to ensure better understanding of the subject and, above all, to break down preconceived ideas of who can experience incontinence. Bladder weakness, more common than you think Around the world, over 200 million people experience or have experienced incontinence. More common than you'd think, the symptom affects 1 in 5 people over the age of 35 in Canada*, whereas it's often mistakenly thought that it's uniquely older people who experience bladder weakness. According to Google Trends, searches related to incontinence have increased by 500% in the last year alone. Most often, people searching for topics related to this condition are looking for educational content, followed by products, treatments, and preventative measures. When it comes to products and care, pads attract the most interest, with almost 30,000 searches per month in Canada. Users are therefore looking for products that help them lead a normal life and feel confident. Most popular topics Search Volume (average CAN monthly search volume) Education 114,410 Product 29,730 Treatment 15,140 Prevention 2,060 "In addition to opening the discussion, it's vital to offer high-quality products to ensure comfort for people living with incontinence", explains Hazel Villarreal, Marketing Director for TENA North America. "It's important that the product you choose is adapted to your needs, based on size and the right degree of absorption. Make sure it fits well, with a snug, comfortable fit in the groin area. TENA offers a wide range of protection designed to meet different needs, lifestyles and levels of absorption." If you have incontinence, you're not alone. Together, we can change the stigma surrounding incontinence and break the taboos. TENA is here to support you. Visit the company's website to learn more about what it has to offer. *CanadianContinence.ca About TENA, an Essity Brand TENA is a brand of Essity, a leading global hygiene and health company, which offers a full range of absorbent products, skincare and digital health technology solutions tailored to the needs of individuals, their families and healthcare professionals. With TENA, Essity is at the forefront of developing products and services that help improve people's dignity and quality of life. TENA offers a comprehensive range of products designed to provide comfort, dignity, and freedom for people experiencing incontinence. From discreet liners to highly absorbent pads and protective underwear with skin health in mind, TENA products are crafted with advanced technology and materials to ensure superior performance and reliability. For more information, visit www.tena.ca. Contact: Dominique Gagnon Digital PR Specialist Greenpark dominique.gagnon@greenpark.digital 514-817-8099 Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2474689/TENA.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2462779/4842543/TENA_Eye_Secondary_CMYK.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/incontinence-tena-thinks-its-time-to-talk-about-it-302213564.html CHICAGO, Aug. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Protective Relay Market in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth $2.8 billion in 2024 and is poised to reach $3.9 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The driving factors for the protective relay market include the growing demand for electricity, the increasing use of renewable energy sources, and the need for advanced protection devices in electrical systems. The global electricity demand is expected to continue rising, driven by economic growth and urbanization. Additionally, the shift towards renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power is creating a significant demand for protective relays to ensure the safe and efficient operation of these systems. Furthermore, the development of smart grids and digital substations is also driving the market, as these systems require advanced protection relays to manage and protect the electrical infrastructure effectively. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=198956724 Browse in-depth TOC on "Protective Relay Market" 430 - Tables 62 - Figures 345 - Pages Protective Relay Market Scope: Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2024 $2.8 billion Estimated Value by 2029 $3.9 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% Market Size Available for 2019-2030 Forecast Period 2024-2030 Forecast Units Value (USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Voltage, End-User, Technology, Application, and Region Geographies Covered Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, South America, and the Middle East & Africa Report Highlights Updated financial information / product portfolio of players Key Market Opportunities Integration of advanced technologies into grid operations Key Market Drivers Integration of renewable energy into existing power grids The transformer segment, by application, is expected to be the largest market during the forecast period. The transformer segment is projected to be largest protective relay market, by application, during the forecast period. In the protective relay market, applications are segmented into areas such as generators, transmission lines, busbars, transformers, feeders, motors, and others. Protective relays are essential in preventing transformer overloading, a critical condition that can lead to overheating and potential failure. These relays continuously monitor the transformer's load conditions, ensuring that it operates within safe limits. When an overload is detected, the relays quickly trigger appropriate actions, such as load shedding or alerting operators, to prevent damage and maintain system stability. By detecting overloads early and mitigating risks, protective relays help avoid catastrophic failures, thereby extending the transformer's lifespan. The digital & numerical relay segment is expected to be the fastest protective relay market, by technology, during the forecast period. The digital and numerical relay sector is the fastest growing segment in the protective relay market due to a number of important considerations. Digital and numerical relays make use of advanced digital technology that outperforms classic electromechanical relays in terms of performance, reliability, and accuracy. This technique enables faster and more detailed analysis of waveforms, making it ideal for modern electrical systems that require great precision and reliability. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=198956724 Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the global protective relay market during the forecast period. The region is experiencing rapid economic growth, urbanization, and infrastructure development, leading to a surge in electricity demand. This has driven investments in new power generation, transmission, and distribution projects, creating significant demand for protective relays to ensure the safe and reliable operation of these systems. Asia Pacific is also witnessing a rapid expansion of renewable energy capacity, particularly in countries like China, India, and Japan. The shift towards renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power requires advanced protective relays to manage the dynamic nature of these systems. Furthermore, governments in the region are actively implementing smart grid technologies and substation automation projects, which rely heavily on protective relays to improve power quality and grid management. The combination of these factors has made Asia Pacific the largest market for protective relays, with a significant share of the global market expected to continue in the coming years. Key Players To enable an in-depth understanding of the competitive landscape, the report includes the profiles of some of the top players in the protective relay market. These include ABB (Switzerland), Siemens (Germany), General Electric Company (US), Eaton (Ireland), and Schneider Electric (France). The leading players are trying to establish themselves in the markets of developed countries and are adopting various strategies to increase their respective market shares. Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=198956724 Related Reports: Air Insulated Switchgear Market by Installation (Indoor, Outdoor), Voltage (Low, Medium, High), Application (Transmission & Distribution Utilities, Industrial, Commercial & Residential, Transportation) and Region - Global Forecast to 2029 Gas Insulated Switchgear Market by Installation (Indoor, Outdoor), Insulation Type (SF6, SF6 free), Voltage Rating, Configuration (Hybrid, Isolated Phase, Integrated three phase, Compact GIS), End-User and Region - Global Forecast to 2028 Get access to the latest updates on Protective Relay Companies and Protective Relay Industry Growth About MarketsandMarkets: MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1951202/4609423/MarketsandMarkets.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/protective-relay-market-worth-3-9-billion-by-2030--marketsandmarkets-302214158.html foundit's cutting-edge hiring solution successfully launched in the Middle East - United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt and Kuwait. It enables comprehensive access to 27.3Mn+ profiles in the Middle East region. Super Profiles feature offers recruiters comprehensive and enriched candidate information along with Smart Insights - an industry-first feature. The tech innovation brings up to 80% improvement in recruiter productivity and a reduction in recruitment costs. AI-powered Magic Search gives the most relevant results personalised by organisation, and AI-driven outreach enables mass personalisation to ensure a higher candidate response rate. DUBAI, UAE, Aug. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME) - a leading talent platform with over 100 million registered job seekers and 8,000 customers, has successfully launched a next-gen recruitment solution in the Middle East region. The solution aims to shape the future of recruitment and reimagine how talent is hired. foundit has already launched the product in India and Southeast Asia, resulting in up to 80% increase in productivity and a reduction in recruitment costs. Following its impressive success in India and the SEA regions, foundit has brought its next-generation recruitment solution to the Middle East. This launch represents another major milestone in foundit's mission to transform the recruitment landscape. It comes at a time when HR functions are progressively investing in tech-first talent acquisition tools to refine their hiring processes. foundit's latest hiring solution now includes an expanded talent pool comprising active job seekers as well as passive candidates. The product will give access to over 27M candidate profiles in the Middle East region. It also boasts a range of features, including enriched and up-to-date candidate information curated from multiple platforms; AI-powered Magic Search personalised for your organisation; system-generated Smart Insights that goes beyond candidate CVs; and AI-based Outreach enabling mass personalisation, resulting in up to 10x increase in candidate response rate. Speaking about the launch, Sekhar Garisa, CEO, foundit (previously Monster APAC & ME), said, "Recruiters today are grappling with multiple challenges - navigating numerous sourcing platforms, sifting through irrelevant search results and struggling with inefficiencies in communication. Our latest tech innovation addresses these challenges head-on. With access to talent on and off the market, candidate profiles with Smart Insights, AI-powered Magic Search personalised by organisation, advanced outreach and collaboration features, recruiters now have a comprehensive solution to be more agile and efficient. Since rebranding in 2022, we have been committed to going beyond merely solving problems to anticipating and building for the future." After rebranding from Monster APAC & ME to foundit in 2022, this launch marks a key milestone in the company's vision to enable and connect the right talent with the right opportunities using tech innovations that will define the future of recruitment. As part of its commitment to advancing the recruitment landscape, foundit has strategically invested in developing this solution and taken a giant leap to define the future of recruitment. About foundit APAC & Middle East foundit, formerly Monster (APAC & ME), is a leading talent platform offering comprehensive employment solutions to recruiters and job seekers across APAC & ME. Since its inception, the company has been assisting over 100 million registered users in finding jobs, upskilling, and connecting with the right opportunities across 18 countries. Over the last two decades, the company has been a catalyst in the world of recruitment solutions with advanced technology, seeking to efficiently bridge the talent gap across industry verticals, experience levels, and geographies. Today, foundit is committed to enabling and connecting the right talent with the right opportunities by harnessing the power of deep tech. To learn more about, foundit in APAC & Gulf, visit: Gulf: https://www.founditgulf.com Philippines: https://www.foundit.com.ph Malaysia: https://www.foundit.my India: https://www.foundit.in Singapore: https://www.foundit.sg Hong Kong: https://www.foundit.com.hk Indonesia: https://www.foundit.id Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2475313/foundit_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/foundit-reimagines-hiring-with-expanded-talent-access-super-profiles--ai-powered-search-302214246.html Original-Research: Cenit AG - from GBC AG 05.08.2024 / 13:01 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Research, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this research. The result of this research does not constitute investment advice or an invitation to conclude certain stock exchange transactions. Classification of GBC AG to Cenit AG Company Name: Cenit AG ISIN: DE0005407100 Reason for the research: Research Comment Recommendation: BUY Target price: 24.15 EUR Target price on sight of: 31.12.2025 Last rating change: Analyst: Cosmin Filker, Marcel Goldmann 1st HY 2024: Acquisition of Analysis Prime is value-enhancing, HY figures in line with expectations, price target raised to EUR24.15 (previously: EUR20.55), rating: BUY In the first six months of the current business year, CENIT AG once again achieved significant sales growth of 6.7% to EUR 93.36 million (previous year: EUR 87.47 million). Following sales growth of 16.4% in the first quarter of the current financial year, sales growth in the second quarter remained in the double-digit range at 10.8%. Despite the increase in sales, CENIT AG recorded a decline in EBIT to EUR 2.01 million (previous year: EUR 2.62 million). Adjusted for acquisition-related expenses (acquisition of CCE and acquisition of Analysis Prime) and the disposal of CENIT Japan, which contributed EUR 0.87 million to EBIT in the previous year, CENIT AG would have achieved an EBIT increase of 33.2% to EUR 2.62 million (previous year: EUR 1.97 million). On 17 July 2024, CENIT announced the acquisition of 60% of the shares in the US company Analysis Prime LLC. Founded in 2018, the company has a total of 72 employees and is active in the field of planning and analysing business-critical processes based on SAP architecture. The company has a high degree of specialisation and is able to call up high daily rates for consulting and implementation. A provisional base price of USD 14.31 million was agreed for the acquisition of 60% of the shares. The final purchase price and the variable components will not be determined until Analysis Prime has presented its interim financial statements. For the current 2024 financial year, CENIT AG expects a pro rata sales contribution of USD 11.50 million and EBIT of USD 2.70 million. Analysis Prime has recorded strong sales growth in recent financial years and has a highly scalable business model. With this acquisition, CENIT AG is increasingly entering the US market, which is accompanied by corresponding cross-selling potential. For example, the ISR consulting business, which covers the infrastructure area in the SAP Analytics environment in particular, can be transferred to the USA. In the opposite direction, the Analysis Prime business is to be transferred to Europe. In the USA, the newly acquired company is the market leader in its field and an important partner for SAP. CENIT's Management Board has confirmed the previous forecast in its half-year report. Sales of EUR 195 million to EUR 202 million and EBIT of EUR 11.70 million to EUR 12.20 million are still expected for the current financial year. These forecasts do not yet include the recently acquired Analysis Prime. According to the company, the new company is expected to contribute sales of USD 11.50 million and EBIT of USD 2.70 million in 2024. This is a pro rata temporis figure, as the company will only be included in the CENIT scope of consolidation from 1 August 2024. The expected EBIT contribution from Analysis Prime also does not include any M&A-related expenses or amortisation of acquired intangible assets (PPA). According to the Executive Board, Analysis Prime is not expected to contribute to earnings in 2024 after taking these expenses into account. We only expect to see a visible jump in earnings from the following financial year. For the current 2024 financial year, we therefore expect sales of EUR 211.12 million (previously: EUR 200.42 million) and an unchanged EBIT of EUR 12.01 million (previously: EUR 12.01 million). With sales growth of 5.0%, we expect an acquisition-related sales contribution of EUR 24.21 million (2025) and EUR 25.43 million (2026) and are raising our sales forecasts accordingly. We expect PPA amortisation of EUR 3.0 million and an acquisition-related EBIT contribution of EUR 2.21 million (2025) and EUR 2.87 million (2026). We have adjusted our earnings forecasts accordingly. As part of the DCF valuation model, we assume a constant shareholding of 60%. In addition to the provisional base purchase price of USD 14.31 million (EUR 13.31 million), a variable earn-out could become due in 2025. We anticipate an additional purchase price of EUR 2.89 million. We have determined a new target price of EUR 24.15 (previously: EUR 20.55). Adjusted for the price target-increasing rollover effect, this results in a price target of EUR22.14, which we categorise as value-enhancing for the acquisition of Analysis Prime. We confirm our BIY rating. You can download the research here: http://www.more-ir.de/d/30369.pdf Contact for questions: ++++++++++++++++ Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest pursuant to Section 85 WpHG and Art. 20 MAR The company analysed above has the following potential conflict of interest: (5a,6a,7,11); A catalogue of potential conflicts of interest can be found at: https://www.gbc-ag.de/de/Offenlegung.htm +++++++++++++++ Date and time of completion of the study: 05/08/24 (08:52 am) Date and time of the first dissemination of the study: 05/08/24 (1:00 pm) The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.eqs-news.com 1960711 05.08.2024 CET/CEST The hybrid energy storage system utilizes Energy Vault's new EV0 modular pumped hydro gravity storage technology plus lithium-ion batteries, and powered by VaultOS energy management software, is proposed to be deployed in 500-meter-deep shafts at the largest former coal mine in Italy, owned by the Sardinia Regional Government The parties executed a land lease agreement in July 2024 and will begin site testing in the coming months The 100MW energy storage system will be owned and operated by Energy Vault, and is key to increasing the local use of renewable energy in Sardinia while accelerating the formation of the Renewable Energy Technology Hub Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: NRGV) ("Energy Vault" or the "Company"), a leader in sustainable grid-scale energy storage solutions, and Carbosulcis S.p.A. ("Carbosulcis"), a coal mining company owned by the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, today announced their plans to develop a 100MW Hybrid Gravity Energy Storage System, a solution designed by Energy Vault for underground mines, pairing their modular gravity storage and batteries. This unique energy storage solution to be deployed within 500-meter-deep mine shafts, along with the VaultOS proprietary energy management software, is essential for the Sardinia Government's targeted conversion of the coal mine to a Carbon Free Technology Hub, where the availability of low/zero emissions energy will be a catalyst to attract new industrial and technological activities. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240805466633/en/ Energy Vault and Carbosulcis Announce 100MW Hybrid Gravity Energy Storage Project to Accelerate Carbon Free Technology Hub at Italy's Largest Former Coal Mining Site in Sardinia (Photo: Business Wire) This Hybrid Energy Storage solution leverages Energy Vault EV0 gravity technology through a new water-based, modular pumped hydro application. The proposed system combines long-established pumped hydro energy storage technology with Energy Vault's innovative gravity energy storage technology, allowing the partners to repurpose the unique underground features of the site as a retired coal mine. The Hybrid Energy Storage solution is designed to optimize and fully capitalize on the specific topology of the site and the 500-meter-deep mine shafts, highlighting the unique proposition of Energy Vault as a fully integrated and diversified provider of tailor-made energy storage solutions. The parties recently executed a land lease agreement, with installation of the first modular gravity components set to commence in September 2024 with the testing of the underground component of the Hybrid Energy Storage System expected to be completed in 2025. Carbosulcis' Nuraxi Figus site, located on the island of Sardinia in Italy, is currently set to be retired by the end of 2026, and the Sardinia Regional Government aims to convert the site into Technology Hub with a minimum environmental impact which will help the industrial and economic reconversion of an area heavily affected by the exit from coal production. In addition, the Hybrid Energy Storage System will help to stabilize the island's power grid, with plans to dispatch renewable energy to help meet the high demand during peak load hours while encouraging further local use of renewable generation in Sardinia. The proposed site would be wholly owned and operated by Energy Vault, demonstrating the Company's commitment to serving as a long-term partner in the region. "We are very excited about the innovative energy storage combined solution proposed by Energy Vault, including underground gravity energy storage technology, that we are testing together and that can become one of the solutions to support our project to convert our mine into a new Technology Hub. This project will maximize the local use of renewable energy, and at the same time provide services that will improve the stability of the power grid in Sardinia," said Francesco Lippi, Chief Executive Officer (Amministratore Unico), Carbosulcis. "We are deeply appreciative of the partnership that Energy Vault has demonstrated thus far, and their customer-centric approach to the design of energy storage solutions has already proved extremely valuable. Energy storage is a critical component to better utilizing renewable energy around-the-clock on the island of Sardinia. We see this important collaboration with Energy Vault as a vital step in the development of the Technology Hub, which is intended to promote innovation, by recovering a former mining site and strengthening the concept of "smart transition" to renewable energy in an area like the Sulcis Inglesientes heavily affected by the exit from fossil fuels, like coal." "We are proud to collaborate with Carbosulcis for such an important project. The conversion of the coal mine in Nuraxi Figus to a Technology Hub powered by renewable energy will help the Sardinia region to economically revitalize one of its areas most affected by the exit from fossil fuels. We believe that this exciting application of our energy storage solutions, including a new use for our gravity energy storage technology deploying it underground could hold vast potential for future applications," said Marco Terruzin, Chief Commercial and Product Officer, Energy Vault. "Discovering and researching new uses of our technology demonstrates the broad versatility and potential of our unique and innovative portfolio of energy storage solutions. We see a future where our technology helps power the world with renewables. Whether it's on an island in Italy, by a wind farm near Shanghai, China, providing back-up power for a town in California, or supporting the grid in Texas, Energy Vault's technology is actively being deployed in a wide range of commercial applications and geographies around the world." EV0 is part of Energy Vault's G-VAULT Gravity Energy Storage System (GESS) portfolio and was announced in May 2024 along with other new gravity storage system products. The new design is a water and vessel-based "modular pumped hydro" solution that is uniquely addressing applications for underground deep mine shafts, in this case a 500-meter-deep shaft at one of the largest coal mines in Italy, which is now under closure. The mine with reserves amounting to 2.5 billion tons of sub-bituminous coal, used to be one of the largest coal mines of its kind in Europe and the world. This is the second deployment of a hybrid energy storage system by Energy Vault after the Calistoga PG&E project in northern California, the largest green microgrid in the world, which pairs green hydrogen with lithium-ion batteries. About Energy Vault Energy Vault develops and deploys utility-scale energy storage solutions designed to transform the world's approach to sustainable energy storage. The Company's comprehensive offerings include proprietary gravity-based storage, battery storage, and green hydrogen energy storage technologies. Each storage solution is supported by the Company's hardware technology-agnostic energy management system software and integration platform. Unique to the industry, Energy Vault's innovative technology portfolio delivers customized short-and-long-duration energy storage solutions to help utilities, independent power producers, and large industrial energy users significantly reduce levelized energy costs while maintaining power reliability. Utilizing eco-friendly materials with the ability to integrate waste materials for beneficial reuse, Energy Vault's G-VAULT gravity-based energy storage technology is facilitating the shift to a circular economy while accelerating the global clean energy transition for its customers. Please visit www.energyvault.com for more information. About Carbosulcis Carbosulcis SpA is a company fully owned by the Autonomous Region of Sardinia. Since 2014 the company has been active in the Closure Plan for coal extraction activities. Nevertheless, the Company inherited impressive infrastructures that were used to support the original mining activity, such as industrial assets and buildings for a volume of more than 200,000 m3, distributed on an area of above 200 hectares, between the Seruci and the Nuraxi Figus sites, in addition to a network of underground tunnels for about 15 km at a depth that varies between 350 and 500 m below ground which can be accessed through 4 vertical mine shafts with a depth up to 500 m and also through an inclined shaft, designed as a vehicle tunnel consisting of three sections of over 1 km each. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements that reflect the Company's current views with respect to, among other things, the Company's operations and financial performance. Forward-looking statements include information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations, including descriptions of our business plan and strategies. These statements often include words such as "anticipate," "expect," "suggest," "plan," "believe," "intend," "project," "forecast," "estimates," "targets," "projections," "should," "could," "would," "may," "might," "will" and other similar expressions. We base these forward-looking statements or projections on our current expectations, plans, and assumptions, which we have made in light of our experience in our industry, as well as our perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate under the circumstances at the time. These forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions, and expectations of future performance, taking into account the information currently available to us. These forward-looking statements are only predictions based upon our current expectations and projections about future events. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including changes in our strategy, expansion plans, customer opportunities, future operations, future financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects and plans; the uncertainly of our awards, bookings and backlogs equating to future revenue; the lack of assurance that non-binding letters of intent and other indication of interest can result in binding orders or sales; the possibility of our products to be or alleged to be defective or experience other failures; the implementation, market acceptance and success of our business model and growth strategy; our ability to develop and maintain our brand and reputation; developments and projections relating to our business, our competitors, and industry; the ability of our suppliers to deliver necessary components or raw materials for construction of our energy storage systems in a timely manner; the impact of health epidemics, on our business and the actions we may take in response thereto; our expectations regarding our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection and not infringe on the rights of others; expectations regarding the time during which we will be an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act; our future capital requirements and sources and uses of cash; the international nature of our operations and the impact of war or other hostilities on our business and global markets; our ability to obtain funding for our operations and future growth; our business, expansion plans and opportunities and other important factors discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC on March 12, 2024, as such factors may be updated from time to time in its other filings with the SEC, accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. New risks emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release speaks only as of the date of this press release and is expressly qualified in its entirety by the cautionary statements included in this press release. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by any applicable laws. You should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240805466633/en/ Contacts: Energy Vault Contacts Investors energyvaultIR@icrinc.com Media media@energyvault.com Scholarships to reach over 50,000 students and advance academic institutions with 8 turnkey, hands-on programs to build critical cybersecurity skills across the nation. WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The White House announced a pledge from EC-Council, a cybersecurity certification, education, training, and services organization, to accelerate skill development in the nation's cyber workforce. Renowned as the creator of the Certified Ethical Hacker credential, EC-Council announced a $15 million pledge to reach over 50,000 students and advance academic institutions with 8 turnkey, hands-on programs to build critical cybersecurity skills across the Ethical Hacking, Network Defense, Digital Forensics, Threat Intelligence, Security Operations, IoT Security, DevSecOps, and Cloud Security domains through the White House's Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD). The pledge comes at a time when the need to close the cyber skills gap has become more critical than ever, with some estimates predicting a worldwide shortfall of 3.5 million cybersecurity professionals by 2025. In response to the ongoing trend, EC-Council's initiative will provide scholarships offering access to an extensive cybersecurity curriculum and instructional videos to academic institutions in the United States including universities, National Security Agency's (NSA) Centers of Academic Excellence (CAEs), community colleges, career schools, high schools, and non-profit organizations. Through these scholarships, EC-Council will help accelerate skill development nationwide and usher in a new cyber workforce. "We are honored to announce this pledge in partnership with the Office of the National Cyber Director and Director Coker," said Jay Bavisi, Group President of EC-Council. "Our mission to democratize cybersecurity education and build the cyber workforce of the future is unwavering. This pledge will enhance accessibility to cybersecurity careers through the academic community and train the next generation of ethical hackers, which is crucial for safeguarding against cyber threats." EC-Council supports over 800 Institutions of Higher Education in North America alone, with turnkey cyber programs enabling cybersecurity skill development at scale with the highest in-demand skills employers seek to reduce the threat surface, lower breach costs and probability, and better defend our nation and economy. Over half of the nation's CAEs are supported by EC-Council through its high-quality certification programs, learning resources, cyber ranges, and cyber competitions, creating highly skilled, employable graduates across the nation. National Cyber Director Harry Coker Jr. of the Executive Office of the President said, "Today, I am excited to announce that EC-Council, a cybersecurity technical certification body, has pledged $15 million in scholarships to reach over 50,000 students, supporting them in earning new industry credentials and participating in growing their cybersecurity skills through hands-on programs." Those interested in learning more about the commitment to the ONCD should visit the commitments page of its website here: White House Pledge Academic community members can find additional information on the EC-Council website here: White House Cybersecurity Scholarship ABOUT EC-COUNCIL: EC-Council invented the Certified Ethical Hacker. Founded in 2001 in response to 9/11, EC-Council's mission is to provide the training and certifications that apprentice and experienced cybersecurity professionals need to keep corporations, government agencies, and others who employ them safe from attack. Best known for its Certified Ethical Hacker program, EC-Council today offers 200 different training programs, certificates, and degrees in everything from Computer Forensic Investigation and Security Analysis to Threat Intelligence and Information Security. An ISO/IEC 17024 Accredited Organization recognized under the U.S. Defense Department Directive 8140/8570 and many other authoritative cybersecurity bodies worldwide, EC-Council has certified over 350,000 professionals across the globe. EC-Council is the gold standard in cybersecurity education and certification, trusted by seven of the Fortune 10, half of the Fortune 100, and the intelligence communities of 150 nations. A truly global organization with a driving belief in bringing diversity, equity, and inclusion to the modern cybersecurity workforce, EC-Council maintains 11 offices in the US, the UK, India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. The company can be reached online at https://www.eccouncil.org/ Press Contact: press@eccouncil.org Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2475349/EC_Council_Pledge.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2373437/EC_Council_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/white-house-announces-ec-councils-15-million-pledge-to-accelerate-skill-development-in-the-nations-cyber-workforce-302214329.html Increase in Life Sciences Funding Catalyzing Microbiology Culture Market Demand WILMINGTON, Del., Aug. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As per the latest report published by Transparency Market Research (TMR), the global Microbiology Culture Marketsize is estimated to reach US$ 13.6 Bn by 2031 at a noticeable CAGR of 6.4% between 2023 and 2031. Microbiology culture, also called microbial culture, is referred to as a method of multiplying microbial organisms by allowing them to reproduce in the pre-determined culture medium under the laboratory conditions. These cultures are foundational and used as research tools in molecular biology. Microbiology cultures are used for determining the kind of organism, its abundance regarding sample being tested, or even both at times. It's amongst the primary diagnostic methods of microbiology and used as a tool for finding the cause of infectious disease by allowing the agent multiply in the predetermined medium. Request for Sample copy of report: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=3232 Felix Biotechnology, a clinical-stage biotherapeutics start-up, is dedicated toward provision of immediate patient care by creation as well as utilization of new medicines targeting the microbiological threats. The company's discovery and engineering platforms that are built on technologies from UC Berkeley and Yale University generate treatments that maintain function of healthy microbiome as well as do away with specific bacterial illnesses. Microbiology Culture Market Report by TMR highlights the factors that accelerate as well as restrain the microbiology culture market size. The latest trends and opportunities have also been captured in the report. Key Takeaways from Microbiology Culture Market Report Higher Demand for Clean Label Products in Food & Beverages Sector Microbiology culture plays a crucial role in detection of pathogens, thereby ascertaining food safety and evaluation of the shelf life of the product. Moreover, with regulatory bodies imposing stern food safety regulations, need for comprehensive microbial testing is inevitable. Microbiology cultures also find their applications in fermentation of meat, bakery, and dairy products, which, in turn, contribute to texture, flavor, and nutritional value improvements. The governments of developed economies are also providing monetary help regarding research pertaining to clean label products. For instance, the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) focuses on the critical requirement of continuous funding in order to facilitate discoveries pertaining to microbiology culture for clean label. Easy Adaptability to Complex Media Augmenting Microbiology Culture Market Size Complex media is being preferred due to the versatility involved in dealing with slow-growing and fastidious species. Complex media is equipped with a plethora of organic substances such as meat extracts, peptones, and blood, thereby providing an undefined and a rich nutrient source that can easily imitate natural growing conditions. This makes complex media well-suited for cultivating various microbial populations, which makes them indispensable regarding industrial, clinical, and research applications. Technological advancements in complex media formulations include incorporation of selective agents and various other growth factors, which further accelerates their utility in isolation and identification of microorganisms of utmost interest. Microbiology Culture Market Report Scope: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period? 2023-2031 Base Year? 2017-2021 Size in 2023 US$ 7.8 Bn Forecast (Value) in 2034 US$ 13.6 Bn Growth Rate (CAGR) 6.4 % No. of Pages 213 Pages Segments covered By Culture Media, By Culture, By Consistency, By Application, By Region Unlock Growth Potential in Your Industry! Download PDF Brochure: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=3232 Microbiology Culture Market Regional Insights North America - The Dominance! North America holds close to 40% of microbiology culture market share. This is ascribed to the local presence of various biotechnology companies operating in several fields of bioprocessing such as production of biofuels, agricultural advancements by cell culture, and nutritional supplements. Moreover, various multinational companies have processing or production plants in North America. For instance, MSL solution Providers, since 2022, has its VeganSure (a DCM) as an expansion of vegan testing solution portfolio. Asia Pacific - The Dominance! Asia Pacific's significant contribution toward microbiology culture market growth is attributed to rise in demand for quality control in several industries along with advancements in the microbiological techniques. Besides, frequent outbreaks of the foodborne illnesses have highlighted requirement for strong testing protocols. Globalization of food grade also translates into need for reliable testing methods for ascertaining that the products adhere to international safety standards. Leading Players in Microbiology Culture Industry Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD), Merck KGaA, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., bioMerieux SA, HiMedia Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., Neogen Corporation, Condalab, Hardy Diagnostics, Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd., and Others Key Strategies by Prominent Microbiology Culture Participants The leading players encompassing the microbiology culture market report scope are investing their capital and time in launching new products to stay afloat. For instance, in June 2023, Gold Standard Diagnostics introduced BACGro Culture Media, one of the innovative products meant to identify pathogenic microorganisms across several verticals such as pharmaceuticals, environmental, and food. In February 2023, Hardy Diagnostics launched CompactDry TCR, one of the pre-prepared dehydrated culture medium plate meant to promptly detect and quantify microorganisms. The plate offers overall aerobic plate counts within 24 hours. In May 2023, HiMedia Laboratories announced that it had launched Anoxomat III Anaerobic Culture System. Market Segmentation Culture Media Type Simple Media Complex Media Synthetic Media Special Media Culture Bacterial Culture Eukaryotic Culture Consistency Solid Media Semisolid Media Liquid Media Application Clinical Applications Food & Beverages Industry Bioenergy & Agricultural Research Cosmetic Industry Pharmaceutical Industry Water Testing Others Buy this Premium Research Report: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/checkout.php?rep_id=3232